Help with restless, sleepless nights

Richard67

At bedtime, my wife will sleep for about an hour then will become restless and repeatedly get up and down, then roam around the bedroom and upstairs all night like a zombie. She has moderate/late stage Alzheimers and takes risperidone (Risperdal) but doc is weaning her off and will replace with Geodon soon. She also takes Pristiq, an antidepressant. We share bed, and her activity keeps me awake. Can't do this any longer. Her doc won't prescribe a sleep aid. I saw someone here recommend Advil PM. Any advice welcome. Thanks.

tonyac2

For what it’s worth, my DH has success with Seroquel and a 10 mg THC gummy. I also use daytime gummies to help with anxiety and agitation. Just got him a cannabis medical card so we can save money on taxes.

Timmyd

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74113/help-with-restless-sleepless-nights

The only way I can continuing providing care for DW at home is if I am healthy and well rested. Not sleeping at night would send me over the edge. I do not mean to sound insensitive. If you have reached the point where you share "Can't do this any longer" and her doctor is not willing to work with you on medication adjustments intended to improve sleep, then in your situation, I would be looking for a different doctor.

Richard67

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253719#Comment_253719

Thanks. I think we will give gummies a try.

Richard67

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253727#Comment_253727

Thanks for your candor. Yes, we have a new doctor and hopefully the transition to Geodon will help.

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253736#Comment_253736

it may take a few weeks for the medication to work. Also note that a Geriatric Psychiatrist is the best type of doctor to regulate medications. I learned that on this forum. Hope the doctor finds the right medication and dose. Do you have help during the day so you can rest?

Michele P

A therapist suggested time or extended release melatonin. It comes in pill and gummy form. The gummy form has other natural ingredients that help with sleep. We were advised not to use Advil pm because it can cause cognitive function issues. Check with a neurologist before using over the counter sleep medication.

Timmyd

Regarding your comment "doc is weaning her off ", I can totally relate to that. Our doctor is pretty willing to let us try something new, but then there is at least 2 weeks to gradually ramp down the old medication, and another 2 weeks or so to gradually ramp up the new medication. It is rather frustrating when you are at your wits end with intolerable behavior, and this is the type of medication adjustment you are offered.