If you care for someone with dementia, you may notice a distinct change in their behavior as the sun sets. They might become agitated, confused, anxious, or aggressive in the late afternoon or evening. This is known as Sundowning.
Why does it happen? While the exact cause isn’t known, it is often triggered by:
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Exhaustion from the day’s activities.
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Disrupted “internal body clocks” (circadian rhythms).
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Shadows caused by low lighting, which can cause hallucinations or fear.
How to Help:
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Maintain a Routine: Try to keep waking times, meals, and bedtimes consistent to reduce anxiety.
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Lighting Matters: Turn on lights before it gets dark to reduce shadows in the house.
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Calming Activities: Use the evening for soothing activities like listening to soft music or looking at photo albums, rather than watching loud TV.
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Watch Diet: Avoid caffeine or large sugar intakes late in the day.
Conclusion Managing dementia is a journey, and Sundowning is one of its most challenging parts. Our specialized dementia caregivers are trained to handle these behaviors with patience and validation.
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Learn more about our Dementia Care services