Many people with dementia experience nighttime restlessness or trouble sleeping. This can be stressful for both the person and their caregivers. Some wonder if vitamins, especially vitamin D, might help improve sleep or calm nighttime agitation.
**What Does Science Say About Vitamins and Sleep in Dementia?**
Recent studies have found a strong link between vitamin D levels and brain health in older adults. Not getting enough vitamin D may more than double the risk of developing dementia[1]. People with low vitamin D also tend to have worse memory and thinking skills compared to those with normal levels[1]. While most research focuses on how vitamin D affects overall brain function, there is growing interest in whether it could help with sleep problems too.
Vitamin D helps regulate many body processes, including those in the brain[1]. Some scientists think that low vitamin D might cause inflammation or changes in the gut that could make sleep worse or increase restlessness at night[2]. However, most studies so far look at how vitamin D affects memory and thinking—not directly at sleep quality.
**Are There Other Vitamins That Help Sleep?**
There is less clear evidence about other vitamins helping specifically with nighttime restlessness or sleep problems in dementia. Most research on vitamins like B12 or magnesium looks at general mood or energy rather than direct effects on sleep patterns.
**What Should You Do If Someone With Dementia Has Trouble Sleeping?**
If you care for someone with dementia who struggles to sleep through the night:
– **Check Vitamin Levels:** Ask a doctor if checking their blood for low levels of important nutrients like vitamin D makes sense.
– **Healthy Routine:** Keep regular bedtimes, limit naps during the day, and make sure they get natural light exposure.
– **Talk to a Doctor:** Always discuss any new supplements before starting them—some can interact badly with medications.
– **Look Beyond Vitamins:** Sometimes simple changes like reducing noise at night or making sure rooms are comfortable can help more than supplements alone.
**Bottom Line**
While there is good evidence that having enough vitamin D supports brain health and may lower dementia risk[1][3], there isn’t strong proof yet that taking extra vitamins will fix nighttime restlessness or poor sleep by itself. Still, making sure your loved one gets all needed nutrients as part of a healthy lifestyle is always wise. Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying new supplements for someone living with dementia.
