I do everything you said to do and nothing works!
June 15
Insomnia is really common with Alzheimer's, and the good news is there are several things that can help. Here are some practical tips to try:
During the Day
- Stay active with light exercise like walking or gardening — aim for 20–30 minutes a few times a week
- Get outside in natural sunlight, especially in the morning
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Insomnia is really common with Alzheimer's, and the good news is there are several things that can help. Here are some practical tips to try:
During the Day:
- Stay active with light exercise like walking or gardening — aim for 20–30 minutes a few times a week
- Get outside in natural sunlight, especially in the morning
- Avoid long or late-afternoon naps
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially later in the day
At Bedtime:
- Stick to the same sleep and wake times every day
- Wind down with calming activities like a warm bath, soft music, or herbal tea
- Avoid screens (TV, phone) at least 30 minutes before bed
- Avoid large meals close to bedtime Making the bedroom sleep-friendly also makes a big difference. Keep it dark, cool, quiet, and free of screens. A small nightlight can help if complete darkness feels unsettling.
Some people find melatonin supplements helpful for sleep. A myALZteam member mentioned that herbal teas like Tension Tamer helped calm their loved one at night.
Always check with a doctor before adding any supplements or making changes to medications, as some medications can actually interfere with sleep.
June 15