How to Spot & Manage Sundowning

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you may have noticed that near the end of the day they sometimes feel confused, restless, or agitated.

This behavior, known as sundowning, can be a scary experience for the person you’re caring for, and might also cause you to feel overwhelmed as their caregiver.

In this video, we’ll look at a few of the things that can cause sundowning, and give you some helpful tips on how to manage it.

There are a number of factors that may contribute to sundowning. Some of them could be related to the habits and physical needs of the person you are caring for, while others might have to do with their environment.

1. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help identify what may be triggering their sundowning:

2. Do they seem mentally and physically tired by late afternoon?

3. Are they often up during the night and asleep during the day?

4. Are they receiving too much daily stimulation, or not getting enough?

5. Do they seem to be struggling with physical issues like hunger, dehydration, constipation, or pain?

6. Does the lighting in their living space create shadows that might cause confusion or hallucinations?

7. Could they be picking up on the stress of others, including yourself?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have discovered one or more of their sundowning triggers.

Now that you know what to look for, here are a few tips that can help you manage the effects of sundowning on the person you are caring for:

– Keep track of their activities, behaviors, and environment to look for patterns that could be making things worse.

– Stick to a regular routine, scheduling activities earlier in the day and encouraging them to rest in the afternoon.

– Check-in regularly about their comfort levels regarding hunger, pain, and the need to use the bathroom.

– Limit their caffeine and alcohol intake, and try to plan larger meals earlier in the day.

– Provide more lighting to help reduce the amount of shadows in their living space after dark.

– Get them to join you in a simple breathing exercise to help calm them down. Sit together and slowly inhale through your nose then exhale through your mouth for five deep breaths.

– If they get restless, take them for a walk or a drive with the help of someone else that they trust.

– When it’s time for bed, try closing the curtains, turning on a nightlight, or playing soft music to make it easier for them to fall asleep.

If problems persist with their sleep schedule, inform their doctor about the symptoms and ask about whether there are any medications that might help.

Remember, during the course of your day, it is perfectly OK to step out of your caregiver role to enjoy a few minutes of me-time. If you’re stressed out or overtired, it may contribute to the person you are caring for’s sundowning.

For more tips and strategies on sundowning, check out our Care Guide.

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