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Got her to go to bed around 12:30 am, & when 2 sleep, but l couldn't go 2 sleep. I am wearing down quickly. What l do 2 get her on schedule?

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Chesterfield, VA
August 4
 · 
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A myALZteam Member

Well she didn't go to the doctor today or call and try to find a new one. Was talking to her go see the doctor until you can find a new one. Because the longer you wait to see a doctor the worse it's going to get with no medication. Came to me first thing this morning was asking for the paperwork when she was discharged from the hospital. And l told her we were looking for them last night. And she just looks at me like I was lying to her. But she will call her sister and tell her a story halfway. And he agreed with her. Where should be telling her you need help. But her sister has always been like that trying to see what she can get from some family members. There are days that l just want to pack up everything l have and walk away. Because I am dealing with my own health problems. Everyone that l have talked to about dealing with someone who has dementia has said that it's only going to get worse that's why you need to try to get on top of it now. Have say that the internet is the worst thing going around right now for people dealing with any kind of sickness. l just feel like being punished because I believe in god and god is doing this to me and l don't understand why.
😪

August 5
A myALZteam Member

Hi Kenny!
You may not have to work so hard to manage her schedule. I just let my mom do her own thing. I am fortunate that I don't have to "watch" her when she is awake, she often just watches TV or sorts through her stuff. I stay on my own schedule and just check in with her when I am awake, give her meds, etc. on my schedule. If she's asleep, I wake her when I need her like to go shopping or to the gym, otherwise she often naps during the day and is up at night while I sleep. Is that a possibility for you?

August 4
A myALZteam Member

It has been happening when you go out in midday or around 5:00 pm.

August 4
myALZteam

Caregiver exhaustion is real, and it matters just as much as the person being cared for. Getting her onto a more consistent sleep schedule takes some patience, but there are some practical steps that can help.

A consistent daily routine is one of the most effective tools. Try to keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime at Show Full Answer

Caregiver exhaustion is real, and it matters just as much as the person being cared for. Getting her onto a more consistent sleep schedule takes some patience, but there are some practical steps that can help.

A consistent daily routine is one of the most effective tools. Try to keep mealtimes, activities, and bedtime at the same time every day — even on weekends. This helps reset her internal body clock.

Here are some other strategies to try:

- Get morning sunlight — Take her outside or near a bright window in the morning to help her body recognize daytime
- Keep her active during the day — Light activities like gardening or simple projects can reduce daytime napping and make her more tired at bedtime
- Limit late naps — Short naps early in the day are okay, but avoid napping in the afternoon or evening
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol — Especially later in the day, as both can disrupt sleep patterns
- Wind down before bed — Calming activities like warm tea, soft music, or a warm bath can signal that it's time to sleep
- Make the bedroom sleep-friendly — Keep it dark, cool, and free of screens It's also worth talking to her doctor about whether any medications might be affecting her sleep, or whether melatonin supplements could help. Always check with a healthcare provider before adding anything new.

One myALZteam member shared that getting their loved one more active during the day with light gardening led to fewer naps and much better sleep at night.

Please don't forget to take care of yourself too — caregiver burnout is serious, and her doctor may also be able to help create a plan that gives you more rest.

August 4

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