If you care for someone with dementia, noticing them sleep more and more can be worrying. You may find yourself wondering whether they are unwell, deteriorating, or if something has been missed.
These concerns are completely understandable. For many carers, changes in sleep are one of the hardest parts of the dementia journey to make sense of.
In most cases, increased sleep, particularly in the later stages of dementia, is a natural part of how the condition progresses.
Why increased sleep happens in dementia
As dementia advances, the brain has to work much harder to manage everyday tasks. Activities that once felt automatic, such as holding a conversation, eating, or understanding what is happening around them, can become physically and mentally exhausting.
Over time, this effort can leave the person feeling very tired, even after small amounts of activity. Sleeping more during the day, and sometimes at night too, is often the body’s way of coping with this growing fatigue.
For many people, sleeping more is not a sign that something is “wrong”, but a reflection of the extra energy dementia demands from the brain and body.
Other reasons your loved one may be sleeping more
Dementia is not always the only factor affecting sleep. Other things can also contribute, including:
- Medication effects
Some medicines, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and sleeping tablets, can cause drowsiness or increased fatigue. - Poor sleep at night
Even if someone appears to sleep for long periods, their sleep may be light or broken, leaving them very tired during the day. - Other health conditions
Issues such as sleep apnoea, infections, or pain can all affect how much someone sleeps.
If you notice a sudden change in sleeping patterns, or if the person seems unwell or uncomfortable, it’s always appropriate to seek medical advice.
When to seek extra support
Gradual increases in sleep are common in later-stage dementia and are usually not a cause for alarm if the person seems comfortable.
However, it’s important to speak to a GP if:
- the change happens suddenly
- the person seems distressed, confused, or in pain
- there are other changes such as loss of appetite or reduced responsiveness
A GP can check for infections, review medications, and help rule out other causes that may be treatable.
Caring for someone who sleeps most of the day
If your loved one is spending much of their time asleep or resting, your role as a carer may shift from “doing” to “supporting comfort”.
Sleeping more is not usually harmful in itself, but long periods in bed can increase the risk of stiffness, pressure sores, or discomfort. Gentle movement, repositioning, and ensuring they are comfortable can help.
If the person is living at home and becoming increasingly bed-bound, your GP or community nurse can advise on practical care, equipment, and support. You do not have to work this out alone.
Why dementia disrupts sleep routines
Many people with dementia experience changes to their sleep–wake cycle. This can include:
- sleeping during the day and being awake at night
- waking frequently and struggling to settle again
- becoming confused or anxious in the dark
- waking very early and thinking it’s daytime or time to go to work
- difficulty telling night from day
These changes happen because dementia can affect the parts of the brain responsible for regulating sleep, alertness, and our internal body clock. In some cases, sleep patterns can become very disrupted or even reversed.
Sleep quality matters too
It’s also important to know that more sleep does not always mean better sleep.
As people age, deep restorative sleep naturally decreases. For people with dementia, sleep can become lighter and more fragmented. Even if someone sleeps for many hours, they may still feel tired and unsettled.
Past sleep habits also play a role. Some people have always needed more sleep than others, and this doesn’t necessarily change with dementia.
Sleep and different types of dementia
Certain types of dementia affect sleep more severely.
People with dementia linked to Lewy body disease, including Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, often experience very disturbed nights and excessive daytime sleepiness. Vivid dreams, nightmares, hallucinations, and confusion are common.
Some people physically act out their dreams, moving or shouting in their sleep. This can be frightening and exhausting for both the person and their carer.
When nights are particularly disrupted, short daytime naps may help. However, long daytime sleeps can sometimes make night-time rest even harder.
How My Virtual Carer can help
Caring for someone with dementia is rarely a solo effort, but it can feel that way, especially when routines start to change.
My Virtual Carer is designed to support carers by reducing the mental load of coordinating care, especially during times of uncertainty.
With My Virtual Carer, you can:
- Track changes in sleep and behaviour
Make shared notes about sleep patterns, energy levels, and daily routines so concerns are visible over time, not held in one person’s head. - Share updates with family and professionals
Keep everyone involved in care informed, without repeating the same information across messages, calls, or notebooks. - Set reminders for medication, repositioning, and check-ins
Gentle prompts can help ensure comfort and consistency, even on tiring days. - Create a shared picture of what’s “normal”
Having a clear, shared record helps carers spot when something truly changes and needs medical attention. - Feel less alone
Care is easier when information, responsibility, and reassurance are shared.
You’re already doing a lot. My Virtual Carer is there to help you hold everything together, without holding everything alone.