How to Deal with Sundowning in Dementia Patients?
Sundowning is a common problem in dementia patients. It means they get more confused, anxious, or restless as the day ends. This can be tough for both the patient and the caregiver. It can lead to mood swings, wandering, and trouble sleeping. If you take care of someone with dementia, you may have seen them getting more irritated or lost in the evening.
Sundowning in dementia patients can be handled by keeping a fixed routine, making evenings calm, avoiding caffeine and sugar, ensuring proper lighting, and managing their sleep cycle. If things get worse, talk to a doctor.
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning is a condition where people with dementia get more confused or upset in the late afternoon or evening. They might start pacing, getting aggressive, or asking the same questions over and over. It’s like their body clock is out of sync.
Why Does Sundowning Happen?
There’s no single reason, but it mostly happens because of:
- Brain changes – Dementia affects the brain, and that messes with their body clock.
- Tiredness – When someone is tired, they can’t think clearly, making confusion worse.
- Darkness – Low light can make it harder for them to recognize things, leading to fear.
- Hunger or thirst – If they haven’t eaten well, they may feel uneasy or irritated.
- Medication effects – Some medicines can make people drowsy or confused in the evening.
Symptoms of Sundowning
If you take care of someone with dementia, look out for these signs in the evening:
- Getting confused or lost more than usual
- Arguing or getting upset without reason
- Pacing around the house
- Having trouble recognizing familiar places or people
- Feeling paranoid or scared
- Trouble sleeping at night
How to Deal with Sundowning?
Sundowning can be stressful, but there are ways to handle it.
1. Stick to a Daily Routine
People with dementia do well when their days are predictable. Try to keep their meals, naps, and activities at the same time every day. Avoid making big changes to their schedule.
2. Create a Calm Evening Environment
Keep their surroundings peaceful. Turn off loud TV shows, play soft music, and avoid too many visitors in the evening. You want to help them wind down instead of getting more agitated.
3. Avoid Caffeine and Sugar in the Afternoon
Tea, coffee, chocolate, and sugary foods can make their restlessness worse. Give them warm milk or herbal tea instead.
4. Let in More Light
As it gets dark, keep the house well-lit. Use soft lights and night lamps to reduce confusion. Natural daylight exposure in the morning can also help balance their body clock.
5. Keep Them Active During the Day
Let them move around or do simple activities during the day. This helps them feel naturally tired at night, making it easier to sleep. Avoid long daytime naps.
6. Offer a Light Evening Snack
A small meal like a banana or yogurt before bed can help prevent hunger-related irritation. Avoid big meals late at night.
7. Talk to Them Calmly
If they get upset, don’t argue. Speak softly and reassure them that they are safe. Sometimes, holding their hand or giving a gentle hug can help.
When to Seek External Help?
Sometimes, sundowning can get worse and be hard to manage at home. Call a doctor if:
- They become aggressive and might harm themselves or others.
- Their sleep problems are getting severe.
- Nothing you do seems to help.
- They are having hallucinations or severe paranoia.
Risks of Sundowning
If not handled well, sundowning can lead to:
| Risk | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Wandering | They may leave the house and get lost. |
| Falls | Moving around restlessly in the dark can cause accidents. |
| Lack of Sleep | Poor sleep makes dementia worse over time. |
| Caregiver Stress | It can be exhausting to manage, leading to burnout. |
Key Points to Remember
- Sundowning makes dementia patients confused and restless in the evening.
- Keep a fixed routine and create a calm environment.
- Avoid caffeine, sugar, and too many naps.
- Use good lighting to reduce confusion.
- Talk to a doctor if it gets worse.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped. If you have any questions, comment below.
