Understanding Sundowning and Those with Sundowner’s Syndrome
You have probably heard the term sundowning but may be unfamiliar with what it means. We’re here to explain what it is as well as discuss common triggers and highlight ways to reduce its effect on those with sundowner’s syndrome. Keep reading to better understand sundowning and learn what to do when you recognize its symptoms in your loved one.
What Is Sundowning?
In the late afternoon and throughout the evening, those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can experience increased confusion, agitation, and frustration. This is what’s known as sundowning. It is not a disease but rather a combination of symptoms that lead to all kinds of disorientation and anxiety. And while the cause is unknown, it’s likely the result of changes in the brain as the individual’s dementia progresses.
Also called sundowner’s syndrome, this confusion can lead to hallucinations, difficulty sleeping, and wandering or pacing. As dementia advances, the brain has difficulty processing time and place. This disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm and forces the sleep-wake cycle completely out of balance.
Other experiences that can exacerbate sundowning include:
- Being in a place that is unfamiliar
- Depression
- Inability to distinguish dreams from reality
- Boredom
- Pain or infections
- Low lighting that generates scary or confusing shadows
Additionally, physical and mental exhaustion or having unmet needs such as hunger or thirst can magnify feelings of confusion and distress, worsening this late-day turmoil.
Understanding Sundowning
For those with a loved one battling dementia or Alzheimer’s, understanding sundowning allows you to recognize signs to reduce its effects. Noticing agitation or pacing from your loved one lets you know to react in a certain manner to keep your loved one calm.
Being attentive to tiredness, pain, or fatigue also allows you to intercept and diffuse your loved one’s behavior before it gets out of control. And keeping your loved one secure if you notice them pacing or wandering provides an added level of safety.
Sundowning Management Tips
Daily routines and sleeping habits provide predictability that lessens anxiety and resets the internal clock, which often benefits those who suffer from late-day confusion. Some studies suggest melatonin can help with symptoms of sundowning by improving the sleep-wake cycle, but the results often vary.
Additionally, there are things that may help manage sundowning or at least minimize its effects on your loved one.
- Limit or avoid naps during the day to encourage sleep at night.
- Spend time out in the sunshine during the day, if possible.
- Reduce physical and mental overload like watching TV or listening to loud music in the evening, as distractions can be confusing.
- Identify and implement soothing activities, like reading, taking a short walk, or looking at photo albums.
- Keep evening meals light, with larger meals at breakfast and lunchtime.
- Increase indoor lighting in the evening to reduce fear and confusion.
We also suggest talking to a doctor about your loved one’s sundowning symptoms and other ways to help manage them.
Providing Care for Those with Memory Loss
We know that caring for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be challenging. But we hope this information helps you understand sundowning to better help those with sundowner’s syndrome. Throughout our Southview Senior Communities, we offer Memory Care options to ensure residents with all forms of memory loss have access to the activities, programming, and amenities they need to live happily and comfortably in a place where they feel safe.
Learn more about all the things our communities have to offer by scheduling a tour at the Southview location nearest you.
