Does your loved one have worsening symptoms and signs of dementia in the late afternoon that progress into trouble sleeping at night? They may be experiencing sundowning or “sundown syndrome.” Here’s what to know about this phenomenon and how to help a loved one and yourself through this experience.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning is a set of dementia-related behaviors that tend to happen later in the day up to bedtime. They can include:
- Disorientation
- Increased agitation
- Extra confusion
- Pacing
- Wandering off
- Paranoia
- Trouble going to sleep and staying asleep despite extreme fatigue
This period isn’t only stressful for the loved one. Trying to manage it can increase anxiety, sleeplessness, and fear in the caregiver.
These symptoms occur because the progressing dementia is changing how the brain works. However, applying specific strategies can ease this experience.
Tips for Managing Sundown Syndrome
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
To create an environment that promotes good sleep as bedtime approaches, adjust the thermostat to a comfortable setting, play gentle music or nature sounds, and avoid TV or device use in the early evening.
If you’re near a street, have noisy neighbors, care for young children, or have other distracting nighttime sounds, run a sound machine or fan to reduce the disruption.
- Maintain a Consistent Schedule
Sticking with a sleep schedule isn’t easy when a loved one struggles to sleep or stay asleep, so absolute consistency is not the goal. This simply means trying to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, shortening mid-day naps if they interfere with nighttime sleep, and developing a daily routine that feels predictable.
For example: Wake up, eat, hygiene, go outside, eat, look at family albums, eat, calm activity, bedtime routine, sleep.
- Exhibit Patience and Empathy
Be patient with yourself and your loved one. This will help you maintain the calm environment they need to feel safe enough to sleep.
- Help Them Spend Time Outside Midday
When possible, a loved one with dementia should spend some time outside in the sunlight and fresh air daily. This helps them regulate their internal clock. It can also strengthen their sense of routine.
- Don’t Disregard the Possibility Something Is Wrong
Because sundowning symptoms can include “unprovoked” agitation, it’s easy to overlook a fundamental need like hunger, thirst, discomfort, etc. It’s essential to keep an open mind and check that the basics are taken care of.
- Be Aware of Factors That Make It Worse
Addressing these factors with care can reduce the severity of symptoms:
- Being in an unfamiliar place
- Residence turns down lights in the evening
- Disrupted wake/sleep schedule
- Lack of stimulation earlier in the day
- Depression
- Hunger or thirst
- An infection that’s causing extra discomfort (UTI, etc.)
Managing Sleep Challenges and Sundowning
Sundowning and sleep trouble are natural progressions of dementia. However, managing the symptoms and sleep challenges is possible. It can give caregivers the peace of mind they need to support a loved one. If your loved one has received a dementia diagnosis, know that help is available.
Diamondback Health and Memory Care’s Desert Diamond Memory Pavilion is a Montessori-inspired lifestyle that offers personalized care in a safe, professional environment. Contact us to learn more.