10 Tips for How to Keep Dementia Patients in Bed at Night

As our population continues to age, the number of people with dementia is also on the rise.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Worldwide, around 55 million people have dementia. As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.”

One of the challenges caregivers face is keeping dementia patients in bed at night. This can be a difficult task because dementia patients may wander, become agitated or have sleep problems.

Fortunately, there are a few gentle strategies that can be used to help keep dementia patients in bed at night.

How to Keep Dementia Patients in Bed at Night

Dementia patients often suffer from sleepless nights. This can be due to a variety of factors, including sleep problems like sleep apnea, physical discomfort, restless leg syndrome, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

If you are a caregiver for a dementia patient who is having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, there are a few things you can do to help them get a good night's sleep and stay in bed.

1. Create a comfortable sleeping environment

Whether the patient is in bed at home or in a hospital bed make sure the room is as quiet and dark as possible. Dementia patients are often sensitive to light and noise levels which can be sleep disturbances that add to their sleep problems. Consider investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask to help your loved one sleep.

You should also try to minimise noise by turning off the television and any electronics that might be causing sleep disturbances. If complete silence isn't possible, try playing some soft music or white noise in the background to help your loved one fall asleep more easily.

2. Establish a routine before bedtime

Having a regular calming bedtime routine can help cue the brain that it's time to wind down for the evening. It also helps create predictability and consistency in the patient's life which can help them feel secure and relaxed before going to sleep.

This could involve activities like brushing teeth or taking medication followed by reading a book or listening to calming music which can help their body clock get into a sleep schedule.

3. Make sure they have support during the night if needed

It’s important that someone is available to check on the person several times throughout the night. This could be family members, family caregivers, friends, or professional caregivers. If the person wakes up during the night, it can be helpful to reassure them and help them get back to sleep quickly.

4. Watch out for signs of agitation

Agitation can be a sign of confusion in dementia patients, so it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of restlessness or agitation at night. If your patient does become agitated, try to help them relax by providing reassurance and comfort.

5. Avoid caffeine

Caffeine can have a disruptive effect on those with dementia and can add to their sleep problems so it is best to avoid caffeine drinks close to bedtime. Instead, offer calming herbal teas or warm milk. We would encourage natural supplements as an alternative.

6. Provide distractions

For some people with dementia, their restlessness may be a result of boredom or loneliness. Providing distractions such as books, puzzles, coloring books or playing soothing music can help take their mind off the agitation and provide a more calm environment for sleeping.

7. Encourage physical activity

Exercise has been shown to help improve sleep quality, so encourage your loved one to get up and move around during the day if possible. You can use mobility equipment such as patient hoists, standing aids and walking aids to assist with this.

Regular physical activity is important for maintaining overall health, and it can also help dementia patients sleep. Encourage your patient to get some form of exercise during the day to help them get better sleep at night so they can get enough sleep.

8. Keep mealtimes regular

Eating dinner too late can cause indigestion and make it difficult to fall asleep. Try to stick to regular mealtimes as much as possible so that your loved one is not feeling hungry at bedtime. 

9. Limit daytime naps

Napping during the day can make it harder to sleep at night, so try to limit naps during the day. If your patient does nap, make sure it is for no more than 30 minutes and encourage them to stay active during the day instead.

10. Consult a doctor

If you feel that your loved one has a more severe sleep problems or a sleep disorder and is suffering from symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, physical exhaustion and can't seem to stay awake, it's important to consult a doctor.

They can help diagnose any underlying conditions that might affect sleep, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, and recommend the best sleep aids and treatment options for improving sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, which can cause changes in thinking and behavior.

These changes vary from person to person, but usually involve memory loss, difficulty concentrating and understanding new concepts, sleep problems, impaired judgement or reasoning ability, difficulty communicating, changes in personality and mood, increased confusion and decreased motivation.

Alzheimer's Association says, "Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging."

It is important to note that dementia is not a normal part of aging and should not be taken lightly. Alzheimer's Disease International claim that “someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds”.

What should I do if my loved one with dementia wakes up during the night?

If your loved one experiences confusion or agitation when they wake up during the night, it is important to remain calm and provide support.

Speak to them in a reassuring voice, explain why they should remain in bed, and offer reassurance that you are there for them whenever they need it. This can go a long way in helping to calm dementia patients.

However, if your loved one is unable to settle or becomes distressed, it may be best to take them on a short walk or engage them in a relaxing activity, such as tuning the radio or reading, until they calm down and can get back into bed.

What are some safety tips for keeping dementia patients in bed at night?

It is important to ensure that the bedroom environment of someone with dementia is free of any potential danger. Make sure that any cords, furniture or objects are out of reach, and that the door is locked to prevent them from wandering outside.

Additionally, place sensors or alarms on the bed in case your loved one gets up during the night so you can immediately be alerted. Finally, make sure all exits from the bedroom and house are properly secured and monitored.

What should I do if my loved one with dementia falls out of bed at night?

If your loved one falls out of bed at night, it is important to remain calm and assess whether they have suffered an injury.

If necessary seek medical help straight away, but also consider speaking to their doctor about strategies you can use to reduce the risk of falls in future. This might include installing bed rails, bed bumpers or other fall prevention devices or even buying a hospital bed.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips for how to keep dementia patients in bed at night, you can help keep your dementia patient in bed and ensure they get a better night’s sleep. It may take a bit of trial and error but with patience and consistency you should be able to find the best routine for their needs.

Remember that dementia is a progressive disease, so it’s important to be prepared to adjust your strategies as their dementia progresses. If you find that certain techniques are no longer working or your loved one seems agitated at night, try something new or ask their doctor for advice on how best to approach the situation.

With some creativity and patience, you should be able to create a safe sleeping environment for your dementia patient each night so they can get a good night's sleep.