Is your mother-in-law having conversations at night and not sleeping? This is actually quite common with Alzheimer's, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with it. A myALZteam member shared that their mom was very talkative from 5:30 a.m. through the afternoon, and they learned to sleep when she slept.
Here are some Show Full Answer
Is your mother-in-law having conversations at night and not sleeping? This is actually quite common with Alzheimer's, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with it. A myALZteam member shared that their mom was very talkative from 5:30 a.m. through the afternoon, and they learned to sleep when she slept.
Here are some things that may help: During the Day:
- Keep her active with enjoyable activities like light gardening or simple projects
- Limit daytime napping, especially in the afternoon
- Get some morning sunlight to help reset her internal clock
- Aim for 20–30 minutes of light exercise a few times a week
In the Evening:
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol later in the day
- Wind down with calming activities like warm baths, soft music, or herbal tea
- Dim the lights to encourage sleepiness
- Keep her bedroom dark, comfortable, and free of screens
At Bedtime:
- Stick to the same daily routine — meals, activities, and bedtime at consistent times
- Speak calmly and offer gentle reassurance if she seems anxious
- Try a hand massage with soothing lotion to help calm her
It's also worth speaking with her doctor, as some medications can disrupt sleep. They may also discuss whether melatonin supplements could help, though always check before trying anything new.
18 hours ago