If you’re waking up in the middle of the night, it might not be because you have to go to the bathroom or can’t get comfortable. It might actually be a sign of dementia, and one that you don’t even realize is happening until it’s too late. Here are 5 signs of dementia that are common in late-night waking, and why it’s best to catch them early on.

What is late-night waking?

Late-night waking is a sleep pattern characterized by difficulty falling asleep at night and waking up frequently during the night. This can lead to feeling tired and groggy during the day. Late-night waking is often caused by stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also be a symptom of dementia. If you are waking up frequently at night, it is important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Can late-night waking be normal?

While it may be tempting to attribute late-night waking to dementia, there are actually a number of potential causes. For example, people who are stressed or anxious may have difficulty falling asleep or may wake up during the night. Certain medications can also cause insomnia. In older adults, changes in sleep patterns are often due to underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis or heart disease. In some cases, late-night waking may be normal and not indicative of any underlying health problem. So if you’re noticing that you or an elderly loved one is having trouble sleeping through the night, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any potential causes.

How can I tell if it’s actually a sign of dementia?

There are many potential causes of late-night waking, and it can be hard to determine whether or not it’s a sign of dementia. However, there are some things you can look for that may indicate that late-night waking is indeed a symptom of dementia.

What are some signs of late-night waking caused by other conditions?

There are many other potential causes of night waking, including sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, pain, and medications. If you’re experiencing occasional night waking, it does likely not cause for concern. But if you’re regularly waking up multiple times per night and can’t fall back asleep, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing persistent or disruptive night waking.

How do I get my loved one to sleep through the night again?

If your loved one is experiencing late-night waking, it could be a sign of dementia. Dementia can cause changes in sleep patterns, and often leads to sleeplessness and disturbed sleep. If you’re concerned that your loved one may be suffering from dementia, talk to their doctor. There are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of dementia and improve sleep quality. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help your loved one get a good night’s sleep

When should I seek medical help for late-night waking?

If you or your loved one is experiencing any changes in sleep patterns, it’s important to talk to a doctor. While late-night waking may be a sign of dementia, it can also be caused by other factors, such as medications, depression, or anxiety. If the cause is unknown, a sleep study may be recommended. Be sure to keep track of other changes in behavior or cognition that may be occurring, as these can help give clues to the cause of the late-night waking.

What resources are available if I need more information on late-night waking or other causes of sleep disturbance?

If you’re concerned about your sleep patterns, or those of a loved one, there are plenty of resources available to help. The National Sleep Foundation offers an online quiz to help identify common sleep disorders, as well as articles and tips on everything from improving sleep habits to dealing with jet lag. The Alzheimer’s Association also has information on late-night waking and other changes in sleep patterns that can be associated with dementia. And if you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, speak to your doctor – they can help diagnose and treat the problem.