Sleep patterns change with aging, and the elderly are prone to sleep disorders including difficulty in falling asleep, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, and early awakening. Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. More and more studies have shown a remarkable correlation between AD and sleep disorders, especially sleep-wake disorders. They may affect the metabolism of the brain′s lymphatic system, reduce the clearance of amyloid β protein, and play a key role in the onset and progression of AD. Despite the previous studies, the causality between sleep disorders and AD as well as the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. Moreover, consensus is yet to be reached for a guidance on sleep regulation for patients with AD-related cognitive impairment. In this article, we reviewed the latest research evidence on aging and physiological changes in sleep, the correlation between sleep disorders and AD, and management strategies for sleep disorders and cognitive improvement, aiming to raise the awareness of the importance of sleep regulation for early prevention.