Caring for a loved one with dementia brings unique challenges, especially as the day turns to evening. One common and often distressing symptom is known as sundowning. Families and caregivers often notice increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation in the late afternoon and evening hours, but understanding the causes and how to manage them can make a world of difference.
Kind Senior Care is here to help families navigate these challenges with compassion and expertise. As a trusted in-home care agency, we provide personalized services including 24/7 care, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, meal planning and preparation, transportation, companionship, and more. If your loved one is experiencing signs of sundowning, reach out to us today to learn how our Caregivers can provide relief and reassurance at home.
What Is Sundowning?
To understand sundowning’s meaning, it’s important to recognize that it’s not a separate diagnosis but rather a group of symptoms that tend to worsen later in the day. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia may experience increased confusion, restlessness, irritability, or even aggression as daylight fades. Some may pace, become suspicious, or struggle with hallucinations.
Sundowning typically occurs during the mid-to-late stages of dementia, though the severity and frequency vary from person to person.
Why Does Sundowning Happen?
While the exact cause of sundowning isn’t fully understood, researchers and care experts point to several contributing factors:
- Disrupted sleep patterns: Dementia can affect the body’s internal clock, leading to difficulty distinguishing between day and night.
- Fatigue: A long day can leave someone with dementia physically and mentally exhausted, which may increase agitation.
- Low lighting: As shadows lengthen and vision becomes impaired, it can increase confusion or fear.
- Environmental triggers: Noise, clutter, or too much stimulation later in the day can overwhelm someone with cognitive decline.
Understanding the sundowning meaning also involves recognizing that it can be worsened by unmet needs such as hunger, thirst, pain, or needing to use the restroom.
How Caregivers Can Reduce Sundowning Symptoms
Although sundowning can be difficult, there are several proven strategies to help manage it:
1. Maintain a Consistent Routine
Structure helps reduce confusion, so try to keep mealtimes, naps, and activities on a regular schedule every day.
2. Create a Calming Evening Environment
Dim lighting and soft music can ease the transition into nighttime. Avoid loud TV shows or chaotic environments in the evening.
3. Encourage Daytime Activity
Physical activity and exposure to natural light during the day can improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness later on.
4. Limit Naps and Caffeine
Too much daytime sleeping or caffeine can make it harder for the person to rest at night, exacerbating sundowning symptoms.
5. Offer Reassurance and Support
Sometimes, a calm voice and a gentle touch are all it takes. Reassure your loved one and remind them they are safe.
Support You Can Trust
At Kind Senior Care, our experienced Caregivers are trained in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia-related behaviors, including sundowning. We understand that learning the sundowning meaning is just the beginning of providing real-world, compassionate care is what makes the difference. Reach out to us today to get to know our Caregivers and see how they can offer meaningful support.
