“There’s no such thing as a full night’s sleep”
One of the most debilitating symptoms of Lewy body dementia for Ann is its impact on her sleep, including nighttime hallucinations and disrupted sleep.
“I don't think I have slept through a night for – well, I couldn't remember when,” Ann said. “It’s almost being constantly tired.”
Ann said it was not just the lack of sleep that was so disruptive, it was also the vivid dream hallucinations.
In the sleep episode of Dementia Australia’s Hold the Moment podcast she described how realistic and often frightening her dreams could be.
“It can be really scary,” Ann said. “The first time it ever happened, I was absolutely freaked out.”
While the hallucinations that Ann experience don’t necessarily happen for everyone living with dementia, disjointed sleep is a common symptom of the condition.
Podcast co-host Jim, who lives with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, said there was no such thing as a full night’s sleep for him.
“You learn to live with it, but it really weighs heavy on you,” Jim said.
“It's tiring and it's hard. It also affects your mood the next day when you've been through a very tiring night.”
Finding support for sleep issues
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia and are dealing with sleep issues, there is support available.
Listen to the podcast: You can listen to the sleep episode of Dementia Australia’s podcast Hold the Moment on our website or wherever you listen to podcasts.
The episode includes an interview with neuroscientist Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith who explains disturbances in sleep, what causes hallucinations for people living with dementia and tips for improving your sleep.
Contact the National Dementia Helpline: If you would like support, advice or information about any type of dementia-related concerns, including managing sleep issues, contact the National Dementia Helpline.
The National Dementia Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.
