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Understanding sleep changes helpsheet

Written by Dementia Support Australia | Jan 16, 2024 2:37:32 AM

Dementia can affect us all – especially when dealing with changes in day-to-day behaviour. These changes could be caused by many things including a person’s environment, health, or medication. One of the common changes relates to sleep changes.

Sleep changes are already common as we age. However, this becomes even worse for people living with dementia due to disruptions in the brain’s body clock. The results can include restlessness at night, a change in waking times (for example, very early in the morning), or even difficulty telling the difference between night and day. 

The helpsheet has been created in collaboration with Professor Sue Kurrle, geriatrician, to assist carers and health care professionals to better identify and respond to the behaviours of someone experiencing sleep changes.

To learn more, watch the video or download the helpsheet.