Hold on to sleep – Why dementia disrupts sleep and what to do about it

Ann, a former nurse, struggles to sleep because of the symptoms of her Lewy body dementia. Most nights, Ann experiences intense, multi-sensory hallucinations.  

Meanwhile, Jim Rogers takes us through some of the long nights he’s experienced since his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.  

Sleep is vital to both mental and physical health, and it’s disrupted for many people living with dementia. Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith, a neuroscientist from Murdoch University, explains disturbances in sleep, what causes hallucinations for people living with dementia and has some tips for improving your sleep. 

Dementia Australia has plenty of resources relating to sleep on its website here. 

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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.   

For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.   

Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website. 

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman. 

Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. 

Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.