With the changing of the clocks (one hour forward) this spring, we all plod through the first couple of weeks as our circadian rhythm, the sleep-wake cycle, tries to catch up. For many people living with dementia, this sleep-wake cycle can be interrupted daily in a condition called Sundowning Syndrome. This symptom of dementia causes individuals to face increased confusion, agitation, anxiety and sometimes aggression in late afternoon or early evening.
For families supporting a loved one living with dementia, it can be quite distressing to try and manage this condition, which can manifest in confusion and disorientation, pacing, irritability and mood swings, wandering at night and worse, paranoia.
Doctors say Sundowning is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including disruptions in the body’s internal clock, fatigue, reduced lighting, sensory overload, changes in brain function, or sometimes the side effects of medicine or dehydration.
How can families help when Sundowning occurs?
To reduce the stress on families and the individual experiencing Sundowning symptoms, families can take several steps to help a loved one. The first step is establishing a consistent routine, such as regular times for waking up, meals and bedtime. If possible, limit naps to encourage more sound night sleep, and plan activities for earlier in the day to reduce evening overstimulation.
Healthy sleeping habits are critical as well. You can support this by exposing your loved one to natural daylight to help regulate the individual’s body clock. You can also limit caffeine, sugar or large late-day meals, and create a calming routine near bedtime. Also, encourage light exercise during the day. A simple walk or a routine of stretching or yoga can reduce restlessness later in the day.
Next, consider adjusting your home environment. You can do this by keeping the home well-lit, especially as night falls. This will help reduce shadows and potential confusion. In addition, reduce noise and distractions, such as loud TV or radio, and limit late-day visitors. Consider blackout curtains as well.
If your loved one experiences Sundowning symptoms, reassure them calmly. You can do this by speaking softly or offering a gentle physical touch if they enjoy this. You can also try to redirect the negative behavior by shifting attention to a relaxing activity like listening to familiar music, folding laundry or doing an easy puzzle.
Keeping a journal on what triggers symptoms – or periods of calm – will help you learn important factors that will benefit your loved one. Monitor for foods, activities, lighting, sounds, and anything else that might provide clues for how you can adjust how you support your loved one.
Finally, if Sundowning symptoms become too much for you to handle at home, consult with your doctor. They can help assess if your loved one is being affected by medications or other conditions such as an infection that might be causing discomfort. If symptoms persist and become too complex to handle at home, they may have recommendations for where you can get help.
Caring for someone with sundowning can be challenging, but by creating a structured, calming environment and providing reassurance, families can help ease symptoms and improve their loved one’s well-being.
As part of its continuum of living options for seniors, Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living offers specialized memory care in addition to assisted living and independent living. In our memory care neighborhood and Day Retreat at the Lodge, team members have been trained to support residents experiencing Sundowner’s syndrome and other side effects of Alzheimer’s and related dementia conditions. Give us a call at 970-678-0057 if you have any questions. We’re here to help.
