But not like the first.
One of the features of Lewy Body Dementia is REM sleep disorder.
Hubby acts out in his dreams hitting and punching.
Most people during dreams are in a “frozen” state.
Ever have a dream in which you tried to get away or do something and couldn’t move?
Well that’s because you can’t move. Your body is semi paralyzed.
With Lewybodies the poor dreamer is in a real struggle of falseness and reality.
False thoughts in the form of dreams and the reality of attacking, hitting, punching and/or kicking.
All dreams seem to be violent in nature which at times can be distressful not only for Hubby but for myself when I’m on the receiving end of the nightmare. You would be distressed too if you were waken from a sound sleep with a smack upside the head, I’m just saying.
And I’ve mentioned before about the poor bedside table.
This morning was no different than any other REM sleep moment other than the jolt awake did just that,
woke me up,
so here I am.
Since our last 4AM fall down Hubby has been doing OK. He is sore more than anything.
He requires more assistance in rising from the bed due to the soreness but other than that, no marks across his face and only minor bruises on his arm where he hit it on something.
He has resumed his sleep pattern of most of the time.
As for me, for some reason, I am just beat.
I think for the last 2 days I have been more tired than usual.
I find myself napping for even 10 mins a few times throughout the day.
I will chalk it up to the dreary cold weather we have had again.
SO I am happy to report that we are in a holding pattern and I’m quite happy with that.
Today Hubby’s aide should be here for 4 hrs and I have no errands to take care of or groceries that just have to be purchased so I think I shall call a friend and see if she would like to have lunch with me.
I need a little down time when caregiving is on a back burner of my mind and not a front runner.
I don’t get to do that often.
It’s a good day, no fooling, and I hope you can say the same. 
Kathy, you’ve been awakened rather abruptly, twice this week at 4 am, so it’s no wonder you are beat. I am happy to hear that Hubby is in a holding pattern! Isn’t it crazy when that’s good news? I understand, though.
I hope today is a good day and that you enjoy your lunch out. Glad to hear you are using the time for yourself.
Oh G-J,
you are so right about the crazy things we consider as Good News! LOL
Hoping your day is good too
Maybe it’s time for you to move to a bed of your own, or even a room of your own, remove any furniture that is near to your husbands bed!?! Safer for him, more restful for you!
Hi Francine,
A separate bed was actually an option I one time considered and brought up to Hubby.
I have already downsized the table furnishings and saved the new lamp
He likes his table close enough to keep his beverages handy. It’s flush with the bed so he just pushes things off of it.
Kleenex box, cup, small items like his broken WATCHES!! sorry momentary spaz
As far as another room that would be out of the question for me. I’m not willing to do it. The bed however, Hubby was quite distressed when I mentioned getting him a hospital style bed. I said that it would make getting up and down easier for him but that I would have to get a smaller bed for myself. The bed itself wasn’t his distress, it was the not sleeping with me. I find this humorous because even though he doesn’t remember we got married, he still feels very secure by my presence and seeks me out when I am not close by for him to see.
I would avoid the rude awakenings for sure but I would still get up to calm him or clean a spilled drink that was left on his table.
Usually I have enough warning before the blow so I can slide out of bed. Sometimes it’s a sneak attack.
Thank you for considering my safety and rest though
Hoping you have a wonderful day
Hi Kathy–I concur with G-J: You have good reason to be tired. The early mornings and the worrying will take its toll. So, I think it’s awesome you’re meeting a friend for lunch. Good for you! Please have a wonderful time.
My husband didn’t want seperate beds either, but when it came to my safety and me getting a good nights sleep so I could keep on top of my game being a good caregiver, I did it. He had a fit at first, but he got over it. Same with moving furniture. Safety comes before convenience and he has learned to accept it. I guess it’s whatever works at your house and what one is willing to accept. It’s not only his life, it’s mine too that’s involved in this whole process.
Kathy, I’m happy to hear you took some time for YOU and went to lunch with a friend. I hope you’re able to get some good sleep this weekend and don’t get knocked around!
I think it’s so sweet that your connection with Hubby is so strong that he feels secure with you even though he doesn’t always remember who you are!
Hi Kathy,
I’m sorry for the times that you are “startled” awake. Not only does it leave you tired physically, but I’m sure emotionally as well.
I’m happy for your “holding pattern” too and hope that it holds all week-end.
Hope you sleep well tonight.