😴 Sleep Disruption · 4 steps · Take it slow

It's 3am and they're up again.

Broken nights wear everyone down. Here's what other families do in the moment — and for tomorrow night.

A calm-steps card from ourturn.care/help

1. 1

   Keep the environment safe

   If they're awake and moving around at night, your first priority is safety — not getting them back to bed.

   • Turn on low nightlights so they can see
   • Clear the path of trip hazards
   • Lock exterior doors if wandering is a concern
   • Speak softly: "It's nighttime, everything is safe"
2. 2

   What woke them?

   Night waking in dementia can be caused by pain, needing the bathroom, medication timing, hunger, or confusion about time of day.

   • Do they need the bathroom?
   • Are they in pain or uncomfortable?
   • Did a noise or light wake them?
   • Are they hungry or thirsty?
   • Could medication timing be a factor?
3. 3

   Guide them back gently

   Don't argue about what time it is. Gently redirect them back to bed with calming cues.

   • Offer a warm, caffeine-free drink
   • Use a calm, quiet voice
   • Put on soft, familiar music
   • Sit with them until they settle
4. 4

   Improve tomorrow night

   Good sleep starts during the day. Log this episode with timing details to build a picture over time.

   • More physical activity and daylight exposure during the day
   • No caffeine after noon
   • Consistent bedtime routine — same steps, same order
   • Limit daytime naps to 30 minutes maximum

These steps are things other families try — not medical advice. Every person is different, and you know yours best.