M is extremely tired at the moment and sleeping for substantial periods of time.  She has just had breakfast after over 13 hours in bed.  During the early part of the morning I took her a couple of cups of tea but she promptly dozed off again.  On several occasions in the last few days tea has been thrown away as she has gone back to sleep without finishing her ration.  The advice on sleep has changed along with her developing diagnosis that has been outlined in previous Blogs.

When stroke recovery was predominant in our minds rest was viewed slightly differently.   The optimum balance between sleep against activity needed to be explored.   Recent events and clarification that we are dealing with mixed dementia put a different perspective on M’s sleep patterns.

The phrase ‘Sleeping for England’ comes to mind when looking at M’s current pattern of rest.  Several things need to be explored to see if there are clear reasons for her current ability to sleep for long periods of the day and night.  There are no obvious signs of an infection that would sap M of energy.  Blood tests will be carried out in the next few days to check on her vital functions.  Once this review of her overall condition has taken place we will be clearer if progression of dementia is behind her exhaustion.

As the brain loses it’s normal ability to function everything takes so much longer and far more energy.  Just processing simple information or undertaking basic tasks becomes extremely tiring.  I hope I am wrong; but  Sleeping Beauty has dementia and her Prince Charming may have to accept that significant deterioration is taking place in her condition.