Sometimes counting sheep just doesn't work. Sleep deprivation is a common problem for everyone, no matter what age, but for those suffering dementia, healthy sleep is critical and untreated sleep problems are one of the most frequent contributing factors to institutionalization.
University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine researcher Cary Brown, PhD, is working to help people with dementia get better sleep, and she's launched a website to get the message out there. The website is the first of its kind, bringing together the best and researched resources on sleep.
"Sleep is a critical but overlooked aspect of dementia management," says the associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. "As many as 40 to 70 per cent of people with dementia will also have sleep disorders. I wanted to raise awareness on the topic and provide health-care providers and the general public with resources and knowledge."
Sleep disorders interfere with memory, problem-solving and overall daily function. Sleep problems not only interfere with risk of fall and fractures, but also contribute to depression, irritability and aggression.
"Family caregivers of people with dementia can also become sleep deprived and in turn, their health also suffers."
Brown's website focuses on knowledge transfer, getting the information out there to the people who need it. Research is clear that the most important ways to help someone with dementia sleep better are:
• Make sure the bedroom is as dark as possible-no TV, hallway light, or street lights coming through the window. All of these will send messages to the brain that it is time to be awake.
• Check that the bed is comfortable.
• Set the overnight temperature a bit cool and keep the room well ventilated.
• Block out all distracting noise (running a fan helps create neural background sound to block out disturbing noises).
"Non-pharmacological strategies for better sleep are important," Brown says. "Research has found that people who take medication to help them sleep can increase their risk of falling because they are groggy during the day. We need to condition ourselves to get healthy sleep, and get enough of it."
Cary Brown's website has many research-based resources and tips for people with dementia, their family and their caregivers. Visit www.sleep-dementia-resources.ualberta.ca.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation MedicineAs the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.