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Is excessive sleeping a sign of decline in Alzheimer's?

Increased sleeping is a common symptom in Alzheimer's and can indicate progression of the disease. Research shows that Alzheimer's damages the neurons that normally keep people awake, which can lead to wanting to sleep much more than usual.

A myALZteam member shared Show Full Answer

Is excessive sleeping a sign of decline in Alzheimer's?

Increased sleeping is a common symptom in Alzheimer's and can indicate progression of the disease. Research shows that Alzheimer's damages the neurons that normally keep people awake, which can lead to wanting to sleep much more than usual.

A myALZteam member shared a similar experience: "My health is going downhill, and when I'm sleeping, it is usually 14 hours a day. I wake up tired and stay tired until I nap."

Brain changes in Alzheimer's can affect the biological clock - the internal system that regulates sleep and wake cycles. When this gets damaged, someone may never feel like they should be awake or develop unusual sleeping patterns. This increased sleepiness can worsen as Alzheimer's progresses and is related to specific brain changes like thinning of the temporal cortex and shrinking of the hippocampus. The excessive sleeping isn't necessarily about "shutting down" in an immediate sense, but rather reflects how the disease affects brain areas controlling wakefulness.

It's important to discuss these changes with your husband's doctor, as they can assess whether this is part of the disease progression or if other factors might be contributing to the increased sleep.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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