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Elderly parents

Could this really be insomnia?

9 replies

Nel1234 · 13/11/2024 13:04

Hi, just looking for a bit of help & advice if possible. My usually very healthy mum (78) has started acting a bit strangely over last couple of weeks. She's been a bit hyper & excitable....she is usually v happy & bubbly, but even more so recently. Talking very quickly & over people, losing her train of thought & texting family members multiple long messages - so not like her.

She's usually a good sleeper, but not been sleeping well recently. She's aware of the change in her behaviour but says it's because she's overtired.

After a bit of persuasion as it's being going on a wee while - she saw a practice nurse today, face to face, my dad was there too incase mum forgot any details they have said it's insomnia and given her a mild sleeping pill. Mum & dad left happy as Larry!

Could the lack of sleep really be making her this way - should other possibilities not have been explored & maybe some blood tests done.

Obviously I'm hoping things will settle down now, but her behaviour was so strange I'm still concerned. Thanks for reading.

OP posts:
MereDintofPandiculation · 13/11/2024 13:10

UTI? Can cause cognitive problems until cleared up. Doesn't necessarily cause pain in elderly.

Nel1234 · 13/11/2024 13:14

Thank you I knew UTIs could cause confusion but thought there would also be other symptoms - that is something I can ask further about.

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CheeseCakeSunflowers · 13/11/2024 13:20

UTI was also my first thought. I had one a few years back and DH thought I was acting similar to how you discribe. I eventually worked it out myself when I was getting caught short on dog walks but I had no pain or stinging which I had thought was part of an UTI.

spiritgoat · 13/11/2024 13:24

I have chronic insomnia and it can make me a bit doo lally/wired. But I agree other avenues should be explored as well, especially if it's been quite sudden.

Musicaltheatremum · 13/11/2024 13:34

She needs a full work up...bloods, urine, full medical assessment by a doctor. She is agitated because of something and the lack of sleep is a symptom not a cause. Honestly...sleeping tablets!!!

Blankname22 · 13/11/2024 13:35

Blood pressure? Sounds like my relative before a stroke.

Nel1234 · 13/11/2024 13:54

Musicaltheatremum · 13/11/2024 13:34

She needs a full work up...bloods, urine, full medical assessment by a doctor. She is agitated because of something and the lack of sleep is a symptom not a cause. Honestly...sleeping tablets!!!

Thank you - that's my gut feeling too. I know they'll have gone into nurse today and said she hadn't been sleeping, but she was still quite happy - just a bit excited. No details will have been given of her strange behaviour which although my mum may not remember, dad is well aware of. Not only were they happy with the sleeping pills, but the nurse was lovely - so all is well!!

I'm sure the nurse was lovely.....but could have done more.

Thanks again for your reply.

OP posts:
Nel1234 · 13/11/2024 13:55

Blankname22 · 13/11/2024 13:35

Blood pressure? Sounds like my relative before a stroke.

Was checked 6 weeks ago & fine but should have been checked again I feel!

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Nel1234 · 13/11/2024 17:18

Update - a gp reviewed mums notes & contacted her. Blood tests etc getting done on Friday. Hopefully getting somewhere now!!!

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