Yes, sleeping more frequently can be a symptom of Alzheimer's. This is sometimes called "dementia fatigue," and it's quite common. A myALZteam member living with Alzheimer's shared: "When I'm sleeping, it is usually 14 hours a day. I wake up tired and stay tired until I nap." There are a few reasons why this happens:
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Yes, sleeping more frequently can be a symptom of Alzheimer's. This is sometimes called "dementia fatigue," and it's quite common. A myALZteam member living with Alzheimer's shared: "When I'm sleeping, it is usually 14 hours a day. I wake up tired and stay tired until I nap." There are a few reasons why this happens:
- Brain cell damage — Alzheimer's may damage the brain cells responsible for staying awake, causing excessive daytime sleepiness
- Disrupted body clock — Alzheimer's can affect the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles, leading to unusual sleep patterns
- Sundowning — Increased confusion or agitation in the evening can disrupt nighttime sleep, causing more daytime tiredness
- Medications — Some medications used to manage Alzheimer's symptoms can cause fatigue as a side effect Sleep disturbances tend to get worse as Alzheimer's progresses. About 25% of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's experience sleep trouble, rising to around 50% for those with more advanced stages.
It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider about significant changes in sleep patterns, as they can help identify the cause and suggest ways to manage it.
August 16
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