My mom can stay up talking to herself ALL night long! She will be angry and yelling at someone, then cry for hours - sometimes giggle here and there and remain awake all the next day! The crying scares me because of the mucus she creates and I'm afraid she will choke. A few days ago I got a sleep aid from the nurse and gave her one at 7pm, she was still awake at 1am that night. Does anyone else experience this? Sometimes she will even sleep all the next day and into the night.
This was THE issue that might have landed my husband in a nursing home, because I could not deal with all his other dementia issues if I was a zombie myself. Fortunately a sleep specialist was able to come up with a solution that has worked for us for more than 7 years.
I wish you luck in coming up with a solution, too!
1. Light - expose loved one to bright sunlight in the morning..
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
3. Manage medications
4. Physical activity (encourage)
5. Limit daytime sleep
6. Establish daytime routine
7. Treat underlying conditions
Well anyway they expanded on those ideas obviously.
I'm afraid this is a common problem. I think the doctor needs to review your mom's medications and then maybe he or she can offer something more effective to break this cycle when it occurs. Sleeping issues (or non-sleeping issues) are one of the most problematic things for family caregivers, since then the caregiver can't sleep either. The exhaustion then becomes a problem for everyone.
Please check with the doctor and see if a medication is keeping her awake, or if there is one to help her sleep when she needs it.
Take care of yourself,
Carol