As the days become shorter going into the cooler months, people who are in the moderate to advanced stages of dementia often experience increased confusion and agitation during the late afternoon/early evening transition of the day. This distinct set of behaviors is often referred to as ‘sundowning’. Several factors are identified as potential causes of sundowning and they include; disruptions in circadian rhythm, changes in appearance of environment (shadows, darkness, etc.), inconsistent sleep patterns, and lack of physical activity. As a caregiver here are a few ways that you can help alleviate symptoms and minimize occurrences of sundowning:
- Create a calm and relaxing environment. Play soft music and begin evening routines. Sometimes changing into loungewear can give individuals a physical cue that it’s time to wind down.
- Have familiar objects present. If the individual is no longer living in their home, or is in a temporary facility, try to bring in objects from home that are familiar to them. If in assisted living, try to recreate their previous living environment as much as possible.
- Avoid napping during the day. Napping or regularly dozing off throughout the day can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns.
- Keep physically active. Exercise is a wonderful way not only to keep the mind sharp, but also to help develop better sleep patterns. This can help with symptoms of agitation during the late afternoon hours.
- Stick to an evening routine. Eating dinner at the same time everyday and having a regular evening routine can help minimize confusion for individuals with dementia.
- Avoid eating heavy meals in the evening. Eating a lighter dinner can help reduce upset stomach that can contribute to evening agitation. Eating a hearty lunch and light dinner can often be easier on the digestion system.
- Make sure that rooms are well lit. As days get shorter going into the cooler months, keeping rooms brightly lit in the late afternoon/early evening may help alleviate confusion associated with sundowning.