5 Ways to Ease Sundowner’s Syndrome

Author: Seniorly Editor

| Published on: December,11 | Viewed: 3007 times


Learn about five ways to ease Sundowner’s Syndrome that your loved one may be experiencing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Find out what Sundowning is, what triggers it and ways to manage Sundowner’s symptoms, such as daily routines, ambient light and familiar or comforting objects.

Learn about what Sundowner’s Syndrome is and five tips to soothe Sundowning symptoms for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

What is Sundowners Syndrome?

Sundowner’s Syndrome is an ailment that affects many older adults in the mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. It can cause feelings of confusion, agitation, and overwhelming sadness. When these feelings are triggered, it can be called “Sundowning” or “Sundown.” Most patients experience the most troubling symptoms during the late afternoon, evening and nighttime hours when the sun starts to set; hence the name “Sundowner’s Syndrome”.

Some doctors believe that Sundowner’s Syndrome is a result of overwhelming sensory stimulation during the day, while others suspect that hormones are involved. Disorders such as depression may worsen the symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome, leading to unbalanced emotional states that affect dementia patients, family members, and dementia caregivers alike.

What Triggers Sundowning?

Sundowning symptoms will likely show themselves as the day progresses and particularly when the sun starts to go down. This timing all revolves around your loved one’s circadian rhythms or internal body clock when they will start to sense feelings of confusion or depression.

Generally, there are a few known events that can trigger or onset Sundowning, including:

  • Fatigue and lack of sleep
  • Too much stimulation or activity later in the day
  • Internal or hormonal imbalances
  • Low light and heightened darkness in winter months
  • Disorienting or new routines

How to Help Manage Sundowner’s Symptoms

So how can you help a loved one suffering from Sundowner’s? Managing Sundowning symptoms involves anticipating the time of day, daily routines and mood swings for those with Alzheimer’s or people with dementia.

Here are five methods that have proven successful in calming or managing Sundowner’s symptoms:

  1. Reducing caffeine earlier in the day
  2. Establishing a routine for bedtime
  3. Providing light at night
  4. Surrounding loved ones with comforting objects
  5. Potential supplement or medication support

Since Sundowning is most affiliated at night, ensuring that your loved one is ready for the evening and bedtime through supporting daily habits is important. Below outlines each method to ease Sundowner’s in greater detail.

  • Reducing caffeine

It may be wise to limit caffeine intake earlier in the day, so that your elderly loved one is ready for sleeping at night when the time comes.

  • Establishing a routine

Establishing a bedtime routine may also help alleviate symptoms by making your loved one feel more comfortable and calm in the evening time before they fall asleep.

  • Providing light

Purchasing a lightbox or a nightlight to keep your loved one’s room somewhat lit as the house gets dark. This can help reduce confusion associated with dementia and make your loved one feel safer in their bedroom when it’s dark.

  • Comforting objects

You can also try surrounding your loved ones with familiar objects before they fall asleep at night. These meaningful objects can help comfort your loved one’s through a difficult time and connect them to memories that can calm nerves and make them feel more secure in their own skin.

  • Medical attention

If you are concerned about a loved one and would like a second opinion, talk to a physician about possible underlying conditions that may be affecting sleep patterns and increasing agitation at night. Doctors specializing in memory loss will be able to assess the specific form of dementia or provide medication for people with Alzheimer’s to help alleviate Sundowning.

The important thing to remember is alleviating the individuals fears and depression by providing a calming, supporting daily routine. Incorporating familiar, joy filled objects into their day can also help reduce Sundowning feelings at night, especially for older people with memory-loss issues.

For any additional questions about Sundowner’s Syndrome or other dementia-related symptoms, visit the Seniorly help center to get questions from our industry experts.

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