How much does sleeping in the afternooon interfere with sleeping through the night? She sleeps for several hours after lunch in the middle of the afternnon. Are there certain foods or drinks that interfere with sleeping through the night? My mom states the green tea is making her wake up several times in the night. The one cup of green tea is consumed at dinner and she goes to sleep at 9:00 or 10:00.
First of all, I would listen to mom and stop the tea in the evening. Have it in the morning or at lunch. It does contain caffeine and there may be something that has made her more sensitive to caffeine. As a substitute, perhaps try a nice chamomile.
Make sure she is having a lunch that is higher in protein, healthy fat and lower in refined or complex carbs. Perhaps offer a square of dark (over 70%) chocolate with the tea after lunch. It also contains a small amount of caffeine.
If the tea is waking her up, then perhaps changing the timing on when she has it would help her wake up sooner, allow for a shorter afternoon nap.
Green tea and the chocolate as long as it is a quality chocolate and mostly cocoa, are both very healthy for most people. Of course, I am not suggesting sugar, so only very dark chocolate.
Plus, encourage a short walk or bit of exercise after lunch. 5-10 min.
You could also try making her largest meal breakfast. If her digestion is causing her system to slow down then a morning nap might be better than in the afternoon as far as affecting her night time rest.
Also most people have digested the caffeine w/n 3 or 4 hours after consuming but people who are sensitive can be affected and as we age many people notice that they are more sensitive. I would encourage her to not have salty snacks in the evening and to not drink too much water before bed. Hydration needs to start in the morning and through the afternoon but not too much a few hours before bed.
I find it helpful to keep a log so that I know what is working. I pick 2 or 3 things to track and change it a bit after I confirm, master or rule out one of the items being tracked. I also find it helpful to go back and read the journal later. We are all different so what works for others may not work for your mom.
And do check out side effects of any meds she is taking.
Good to see you back on the forum.
Sorry to be redundant. I see some of my suggestions were already made.
Check her green tea. Is it herbal, or does it contain caffeine? Green tea leaves contain caffeine, just as black tea does.
Ask her doctor about prescribing Trazodone. A low dose can help relax someone and help them to sleep. Also ask the doctor about pain medication. Pain or discomfort can keep someone from sleeping restfully. I have restless, sleepless nights from pain frequently.
The liquid in the evening can cause her to wake up to empty her bladder.
What helps me fall asleep is watching old TV re-runs on MeTV. I also found recently that having a small lamp with a light night bulb, on my night stand, lit at night has been a big help.... I don't know why this works, but it does for me.
Such as limiting screen time (that includes the TV) for at least an hour before sleep time. Playing soft music before lights off, maybe even playing it all night if it seems to soothe them. (I had great results playing classical music 24/7 for my colicky baby daughter.) Making sure hands and feet are warm. Etc. Etc. Etc. Also, sleep-promoting meds as approved by the doctor.
If you feel mom is declining in general, take her for a physical and ask for a hospice evaluation for her. It may be time.
Good luck to you.
Sleeping more can indicate a decline. My Husband went from sleeping a typical 8 hours at night but as he declined with dementia that went to 10 hours, then 12 hours and the last month of his life he was sleeping 22 to 23 hours a day.
Sleeping more can indicate a lack of stimulation. If she is able and there is an Adult Day Program that she can participate in that would give her some activities, stimulation and it would give you a break.