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Insomnia

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Hueytown, AL

My mother will not sleep. The medications is not helping.
She keeps getting up falling. Please any answers

January 10, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with loved ones who have Alzheimer's or dementia and struggle with severe insomnia and nighttime wandering,... Read more

Members shared their experiences with loved ones who have Alzheimer's or dementia and struggle with severe insomnia and nighttime wandering, often leading to dangerous falls and exhaustion for both patients and caregivers. Several members described medication combinations that have worked for them, including low doses of quetiapine, mirtazapine, melatonin, Xanax, and Zoloft, while emphasizing the importance of consulting doctors since effects vary greatly by individual and trial-and-error is often necessary. A recurring theme was the need for safety measures like video monitors, door alarms, motion sensors, and secure locks to prevent wandering, along with compassionate acknowledgment that caregiving through sleepless nights is one of the hardest challenges families face.

A myALZteam Member

I give my husband 25 mg of quetiapine and 5 mg of Melatonin. He sleeps until I wake him up the next morning. Effects of medications vary per patient. I have found that if I give him more quetiapine he becomes agitated. It's a game of trial and error.

January 12, 2018
A myALZteam Member

Put an alarm on the door including her bedroom.. Also a locksmith can install a "safe" lock that she will be unable to easily open but you can open in case of emergency.

Ypu definitely need your sleep

May 9, 2018
A myALZteam Member

My mother has ADVANCED Alzheimer's and she takes a low dose of an anti depressent and its not a narcotic so therefore no addiction issues and one 1 mg Xanex. Please know that this does work for her and I am not a Dr so please see one. I will tell u she is only 90 lbs and got up Sunday nite to go to restroom but does that every night and she fell on carpet and broke her hip. So things can happen regardless and I even use a video camera in her room. Hope this helps so u can rest cause believe u me I'm right here with u. Truly the hardest thing I've ever had to do. She is in rehab now but EXTREMELY difficult. So please go to Dr and maybe this will help. Hugs to u my friend!! Hang in there as they need us. 💘

February 24, 2018
A myALZteam Member

My mom stays awake for 2 or 3 days straight. Two weeks ago she was awake for 68 hours straight. We gave her two different types of meds for anxiety and it didn’t do anything. She then slept for 24 hours. It seems like every time she has a spell like that she declines. Anyone else have this same issue?

October 16, 2019
A myALZteam Member

I answered first and my mother has advanced Alzheimer's and the meds I listed work for us. She sleeps all night. I have a video monitor so I can see if she gets up as well. That's a great thing to have. Bought at Wal-Mart. Hope this helps. Hugs to u and we all understand ur frustrations well I do anyway !! God bless u and yours!!

January 18, 2018

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