A resident of Charlotte, N.C., Kevin Suite is the President and COO of Valeo Senior, LLC – the parent company of Vineyard Johns Creek. He has nearly 30 years of experience in senior living community leadership, including roles in sales, operations and care services, including roles with Marriott Senior Living and Kisco Senior Living. A graduate of Plattsburgh State University, Suite has his Nursing Home Administrator’s license in Virginia, his Assisted Living Administrator’s license in North Carolina, and has served as a board member of the North Carolina Assisted Living Association (NCALA).

3 Reasons Sleep is Important for Those With Dementia and Their Caregivers

Restful, deep sleep is vital for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s—as well as their caregivers. This is something I’ve seen first-hand, time and again, in the various positions I have held in senior living over the past thirty years. With March 8-14 being National Sleep Awareness Week, it’s a great time to highlight why sleep matters for all these groups. I’ve seen the difference quality sleep can make, and with so many Baby Boomers serving in a caregiving role for elder parents or loved ones, I hope this encourages more people to prioritize it.

1. It Reduces Caregiver Stress
When you’re caring for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient, caregiver stress is a major risk. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to depression, reduced immunity and concentration problems. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain releases cortisol, the “stress hormone.” To truly care for someone else, you need to care for yourself. Sleeping well is one of the best ways you can do this—and remember, you deserve it.

2. Tiredness Enhances Dementia Symptoms
Most of us have experienced the feeling of “brain fog” after poor sleep—I have many times. For those who suffer from dementia, this brain fog goes far beyond inconvenience. The confusion, poor concentration and tension can exacerbate symptoms they are already experiencing. While dementia symptoms can’t be fully erased, they can at least be minimized. Ensuring a dementia patient gets proper, restful sleep is an important part of that process.

3. “Good” Sleep Counters Alzheimer’s Sleep Side Effects
One major symptom that accompanies Alzheimer’s is sleep problems. These issues can include difficulty falling asleep, sleeping in the day vs. the night, or waking up frequently. Promoting healthy sleep habits can help lessen these symptoms and greatly improve the patient’s quality of life. Avoiding caffeine, developing bedtime routines and staying engaged during the day (and not napping) can all help. We can’t cure Alzheimer’s, but we can help make someone’s experience as comfortable as possible.

Quality Sleeps Truly Matters for Caregivers and Dementia Patients

Whether someone has dementia or Alzheimer’s, or they’re caring for someone who does, sleep is vital. I’ve seen the fallout when sleep is ignored or neglected, and how making it an afterthought can have unhealthy repercussions. National Sleep Awareness Week is a wonderful time to start prioritizing restful sleep. It’s time to start discovering the difference it can make in your life—and in the lives of those you love.

• This topic was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by  dzhingarova75.