Week 10 — When Sleeping Increases and Wakefulness Decreases
The Gentle Ethics of Caregiving
Helping families navigate the hardest caregiving moments
Week 10 — When Sleeping Increases and Wakefulness Decreases
Day 1: Understanding the Topic
There may come a point in caregiving where a loved one begins to sleep more.
At first, it may feel subtle.
A longer nap during the day.
Going to bed earlier.
Sleeping later in the morning.
But over time, it becomes more noticeable.
They may:
• spend more time asleep than awake
• be harder to wake
• have shorter periods of interaction
• drift in and out of sleep during conversations
• appear less responsive
Caregivers often describe it as:
“They’re sleeping so much now.”
“I can’t seem to keep them awake.”
“They just seem so tired all the time.”
This stage can feel concerning.
Families may wonder:
Is this normal?
Should I be waking them more?
Are they okay?
What This Change May Look Like
Increased sleep can happen gradually.
You may notice:
• longer naps during the day
• decreased interest in staying awake
• falling asleep during activities
• reduced energy during awake periods
• quieter, shorter interactions
These changes often happen alongside the slowing we discussed last week.
Why This Happens
As the body changes, it begins to require more rest.
This can be due to:
• decreased energy production
• changes in brain activity
• progression of illness
• the body conserving energy
The brain and body begin to spend more time in a resting state.
This is not simply “being tired.”
It is part of how the body adjusts and conserves what it needs.
A Different Perspective
For caregivers, this stage can feel like a loss of connection.
Less conversation.
Less eye contact.
Less shared time.
But for the individual, it may feel like:
• comfort
• rest
• decreased effort
• a natural slowing of awareness
What may feel like withdrawal to you may feel like peaceful rest to them.
Caregiver Snapshot
Topic: Increased sleep and decreased wakefulness
Who this affects: Aging adults with advanced decline or illness
Primary concern: Responsiveness, hydration, and comfort
Caregiver focus: Observation, gentle interaction, and reassurance
Caregiver Insight
Professional caregivers often understand that increased sleep is not something that needs to be forced away.
Instead, it is something to be respected and gently supported.
Warning Signs to Watch For
□ sleeping most of the day
□ difficulty waking
□ decreased responsiveness
□ limited interaction when awake
□ drifting in and out of sleep
□ reduced interest in surroundings
If several of these are present, it may be part of a natural progression.
12 Questions to Reflect on This Week
Has your loved one been sleeping more than usual?
Are they harder to wake?
Do they fall asleep during conversations?
Are awake periods becoming shorter?
Do they seem tired even when awake?
Has their level of interaction decreased?
Are they eating or drinking less due to sleep?
Do they respond when you speak to them?
Do they seem comfortable while resting?
Are you unsure how much to wake them?
Do you feel concerned about the amount of sleep?
What changes have you noticed most?
Try This Today
Sit beside your loved one during a resting period.
Notice:
• how they appear while sleeping
• whether they seem peaceful
• how they respond when gently spoken to
Observation can provide reassurance.
A Gentle Reminder for Caregivers
It can be difficult to see someone sleep more and engage less.
But not all changes are something to fix.
Some are something to understand and gently support.
Questions for Today
• Have you noticed an increase in sleep?
• Do you feel unsure about when to wake them?
• What concerns you most about this change?
Tomorrow we will walk through a real-life caregiving situation and explain what may be happening physically when sleep begins to increase.
Because sometimes what feels like a loss of time…
is the body moving into a different rhythm. 🤍