Dementia & Sleep: How Gentle Hand Massage Makes a Difference for People With Memory Disorders by Susan Swetnam


Dementia & Sleep: How Gentle Hand Massage Makes a Difference for People With Memory Disorders

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? If so, you'll know that getting to sleep at night and staying asleep is often a challenge for those with memory disorders. Fortunately, dementia studies have shown that something as simple as a short hand massage can significantly calm anxiety and help people with dementia fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. As a massage therapist who works with elderly people, here are my recommendations for a simple hand massage you can do before bed: 

  • Apply lotion and gently squeeze your loved one's hand.
  • Turn the hand palm up, stabilizing it in your non-working hand, and make little circles with your fingertips, working slowly around the palm clockwise. You want the pressure to be firm enough to be felt and not tickle, but not too hard. 
  • Turn the hand over and, again stabilizing it in your non-working hand, stroke slowly up and down between the little bones running the long way on the back of the hand, from wrist to the base of the finger.
  • Gently squeeze each finger, enveloping it in your hand.

Every phase of this should be slow and loving and intentional. Singing or speaking softly to your loved one during the massage will make it even better, or you can put on some music he or she likes. Each finger should take about five minutes. 

Anybody can do this, and if you repeat it each night it can become a relaxing, bonding ritual for both of you!

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links. The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Alzheimer's Caregivers: 8 Tips for People Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia

Alzheimer's & Dementia: Physical Fitness Is Good, But Your Brain Needs Exercise, Too!

A Mother's Endless Love: Reflections As a New Mama Caring for Her Mom With Dementia

Dementia Caregivers: Understanding Behavioral Changes With Dementia & How to Respond

Tribe
What a helpful thing to know. Thank you for sharing this! 💗
Elisa Schmitz
How wonderful! I know many people who this will benefit. Many thanks for sharing your expertise with us, Susan Swetnam . Welcome to 30Seconds. We are so happy to have you with us, and look forward to learning and growing with you!
Susan Masterson, PhD
I wish I had seen this when my Dad was alive. This is wonderful.
Terri Kendrick
This is really wonderful! I write for a seniors blog professionally and would love to share this information with caregivers. I will, of course, credit you as the expert. Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds, if Susan agrees, is there a way to share email addresses or communicate on the site privately, to gather some more information from her?

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Gluten-free Diets: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free

Food Allergies & Coronavirus: A Registered Dietitian's Guide to Food Insecurity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Skip the Potato Chips: How to Prep So You Grab Healthier Snacks!

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Why You Need to Sprinkle This Spice on Everything