Alzheimer’s Disease Sleep Problems:

Causes, Tips, and Help Available for Families

Sleep problems are one of the most common and challenging symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. They affect not only the person living with dementia but also the family members who care for them. From insomnia to night-time wandering and sundowning, these disturbances can disrupt routines, increase stress, and reduce overall quality of life.

Article Contents List

In this guide, we explore Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems, their causes, the latest statistics from the Alzheimer’s Society, and practical tips to make nights calmer and safer. We’ll also highlight the importance of caring for yourself as a carer, and where you can find help and free advice.

How Widespread Are Sleep Problems in Alzheimer’s?
Common Types of Alzheimer’s Disease Sleep Problems
Why Alzheimer’s Disease Causes Sleep Problems
Why Finding Solutions Matters
Practical Tips to Improve Sleep
What to Do If a Loved One Wakes at Night
Managing Sundowning with Help Available
Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
Alzheimer’s Resources and Guidance Available
We’re Here When You Need Support

How Widespread Are Sleep Problems in Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Society:

Sleep disturbance may affect up to 25% of people with mild to moderate dementia and up to 50% of people with severe dementia. These issues can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and increased nighttime wandering.

25 %
People with mild to moderate dementia has Sleep disturbance

50 %
People with severe dementia has Sleep disturbance

These figures show that sleep problems are not just an occasional issue — they are part of everyday life for many people living with Alzheimer’s.

Elderly woman resting peacefully with an eye mask on — showing comfort and calm despite Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems.

Common Types of Alzheimer’s Disease Sleep Problems

Alzheimer’s disease disrupts sleep in many ways. Common difficulties include trouble falling asleep, frequent night-time awakenings, or waking too early. Many people also experience excessive daytime sleepiness or unplanned naps, which upset their natural rhythm.

A particularly distressing issue is sundowning — when a person becomes restless, agitated, or anxious in the late afternoon or evening. This often leads to wandering or wakefulness at night, which can be unsafe. In addition, sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome are more common in people with Alzheimer’s, further complicating their rest.

Why Alzheimer’s Disease Causes Sleep Problems

There are several reasons why Alzheimer’s disease can lead to sleep disturbance. The changes in the brain reduce the production of melatonin and alter the body’s sleep–wake cycle, making it harder for the person to regulate rest. Sundowning, triggered by fatigue or low light levels, can create confusion and agitation.

Environmental triggers such as unfamiliar surroundings or excessive noise may also increase restlessness. Finally, physical discomfort, health conditions, or side effects from medications can all contribute to broken sleep.

Why Finding Solutions Matters

Sleep is vital for physical and mental health. Poor or disrupted rest can worsen confusion, memory problems, and mood in people with Alzheimer’s. It also increases the risk of falls and hospitalisation.

For carers, the impact is equally significant. Lack of rest can lead to exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Sleep disturbance is also one of the main reasons families turn to residential care. Addressing sleep problems early can help keep your loved one safe at home for longer, while protecting your own well-being.

Senior woman sleeping contentedly on her side — highlighting better rest and support for Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems.

Practical Tips to Improve Sleep

There are many supportive steps that can encourage better rest. Establishing a consistent routine is one of the most effective — going to bed, waking up, and eating meals at the same times each day reinforces natural rhythms. Increasing exposure to daylight through daily walks or time spent by a window can help reset the body clock. Gentle activities such as gardening or short walks provide exercise that promotes tiredness, while limiting long naps in the afternoon prevents night-time wakefulness.

Other useful tips include:

Optimise the bedroom environment: Keep the room cool, quiet, and comfortable. Use soft night lighting and add familiar objects to provide reassurance.
Avoid stimulants in the evening: Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can all interfere with sleep. Cutting these down later in the day makes a difference.
Create a calming bedtime routine: Soothing music, reading a favourite story, or a warm drink can signal it’s time for sleep.
Check for discomfort: Sometimes pain, hunger, or feeling too hot or cold is enough to disturb sleep. Addressing these simple issues can help prevent waking.

What to Do If a Loved One Wakes at Night

If your loved one wakes during the night, it can be unsettling. Stay calm and avoid arguing — confusion is part of the condition. First, check if simple needs such as thirst, hunger, or needing the toilet are the cause. Using a gentle and reassuring tone, remind them that it is night-time. If they feel the need to pace, allow safe wandering under supervision rather than restraining them.

Key steps to remember:

Reassure with a calm voice.
Check for physical discomfort or needs.
Use low lighting to avoid overstimulation.
Consult a GP if the waking becomes frequent or disruptive.

When problems persist, non-drug approaches are preferred first, but in some cases doctors may recommend melatonin or light therapy. Sedatives are usually avoided because of the risks of falls and confusion.

Managing Sundowning with Help Available

Sundowning, or late-day confusion and agitation, is particularly challenging. To reduce its impact, ensure the home is well-lit in the evening to cut down shadows. A calm and predictable routine reduces overstimulation, while addressing basic needs such as hunger, thirst, or pain before bed can prevent agitation. Offering calming activities — like listening to gentle music or looking through family photos — helps create a peaceful mood.

You may also find it helpful to:

- Avoid stimulants and heavy meals late in the day.
- Keep activities simple and familiar in the evening.
- Reduce background noise and clutter.
- Ask local dementia services about practical support with sundowning.
Support is available through dementia services, which can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your situation.

Caring for Yourself
While Caring for Others

Looking after someone with Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems can leave you feeling drained. Your own health is just as important. Where possible, share caring responsibilities with family members or explore respite services to give yourself time to recharge. Short breaks, relaxation techniques, and connecting with support groups can all provide relief.

Quick ideas for carers:

Take short naps when possible.
Use mindfulness or relaxation to reduce stress.
Stay connected with friends and support groups.
Ask about respite services for regular breaks.

Remember, caring for yourself ensures you have the energy and resilience to provide the best care for your loved one.

Alzheimer’s Resources and Guidance Available

Sometimes professional help is needed. Seek medical advice if you notice symptoms of sleep apnoea such as loud snoring or pauses in breathing, if depression or anxiety are worsening sleep, or if medications appear to be contributing to insomnia. Healthcare professionals can review prescriptions, recommend sleep studies, and offer safe treatment options. Always consult a GP or dementia specialist before trying new treatments.

You don’t need to face Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems alone. Free support is available from:

Alzheimer’s Society (UK) – Practical advice and helplines
Local dementia services – Workshops, carer training, and respite options.
Healthcare providers – GPs, dementia nurses, and sleep clinics.

These services can offer reassurance, strategies, and support tailored to your situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re Here When You Need Support

Alzheimer’s disease sleep problems are common and challenging, but with the right strategies and support, they can be managed. Establishing routines, creating a calming environment, and seeking help when needed all make a difference.

As experienced care providers, we’re here to offer free advice and guidance to help you and your loved one achieve calmer, safer nights. You’re not alone — help is always available.

Alzheimer’s Care Service