Sleep disturbances in dementia: What they are and what to do

Approximately one quarter of adults with dementia experience sleep disturbances. The purpose of this article is to (a) describe and define sleep disturbances in individuals with dementia, (b) describe techniques to assess for sleep disturbances in individuals with dementia, and (c) provide nursing interventions to improve sleep in this patient population. Typical presentations of sleep disturbances in individuals with dementia are described, along with medications that may interfere with sleep. Suggestions for nursing measures that can be implemented to enhance sleep are also presented. Nurses have numerous nonpharmacological options to assist with the regulation of sleep-wake rhythms in individuals with dementia.