Sundowning is increased confusion in people living with dementia, with its usual symptoms becoming most prevalent at dusk and throughout the night. Otherwise known as sundowner’s syndrome, this set of symptoms and behaviours can be difficult and distressing for loved ones to manage without proper coping strategies.
Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sundowner’s syndrome, including how to manage it, what it is, and how Trinity Homecare can provide support to the entire family.
What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?
Sundowning is a term used to describe a group of dementia-associated behaviours that often present in the evenings, as the sun goes down. Common symptoms are anxiety or increased agitation. There are several reasons for this, including tiredness, pain, hunger and confusion.
While sundowning can present itself at any time, most people with dementia begin exhibiting signs in the middle to late stages. Symptoms aren’t confined to the end of the day, but this is often when they’re strongest.
What Are the Signs of Sundowning?
Symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome can vary from person to person, but the most common and obvious sign is that your loved one’s behaviour and demeanour begin to change at sunset.
Common behavioural changes include:
- Becoming argumentative: Your loved one may begin picking fights and snapping as sundowning sets in.
- Agitation and shouting: They may raise their voice and be quicker to become angry at anyone close to them.
- Pacing back and forth or fidgeting: Older adults may start wandering around at night, which can increase their risk of falls if they’re tired and experiencing reduced mobility.
- Increased confusion: Your loved one might become more confused at night, perhaps feeling as if they’re in the wrong house or have forgotten to do something important.
- Intense emotions: It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to experience periods of intense emotion, such as overwhelming sadness or hysterical giddiness, during sundowning.
- Delusions: Some people with dementia can experience delusions and hallucinations, which can be frightening and difficult to manage.
Tips for caring for someone with Sundowner’s Syndrome
Sundowning is a complex condition that can be specific to an individual. This means that you may need to consider their personal circumstances, likes, and preferences to identify the root cause of their behaviour before creating a management plan.
Sundowner’s syndrome can be stressful for everyone, but with the correct tips on how to manage it, you may be able to reduce symptoms and cope more effectively. Here are six tips to support your loved one:
1. Look for triggers
Several factors can trigger sundowning symptoms, including environmental changes and certain activities. Common triggers include:
- Fatigue
- Loud noises
- Discomfort
- Strenuous activities
- Changes to environment
- New carers
Keep track of your loved one’s triggers by writing down what they experience and when they occur. After a few weeks, you may start to see patterns emerge that help you identify triggers.
2. Create a dependable routine
Daily routines can be incredibly helpful in managing sundowning, especially if your loved one is triggered by fatigue or other factors. Even if they experience memory loss or confusion, a dependable routine gives the brain something to anchor to, minimising surprises and reducing anxiety.
Many families find the morning the best time to schedule meaningful activities, such as movement and physical activity, as this is when their loved one has the most energy. This also gives them time to relax before typical sundowning symptoms peak.
3. Get outdoors as much as possible
Taking a walk outdoors is a great way to ensure your loved one gets a daily dose of fresh air and sunlight. Exposure to the sun helps set their internal body clock and reduce pent-up energy, while fresh air revitalises and boosts mood.
Spending time together outdoors can improve familial relationships and tighten bonds, which is important if sundowning has created tensions between you. Being present with your loved one helps you distinguish between their authentic self and the effects of sundowning.
4. Limit stimulation in late afternoon and support sleep
As the afternoon draws to a close, lower the lights, limit caffeine consumption, close the curtains or blinds, minimise noise and reduce clutter. Instead of turning the TV on, consider encouraging your loved one to listen to the radio or their favourite music.
You could help them with a puzzle or meditate together before bed. Use soothing scents like lavender and chamomile. Not only will this relax your loved one and prevent agitation or confusion from heightening, but you’ll also be able to benefit from periods of mindfulness.
5. Practice empathy and be gentle
One of the most important things to remember about sundowning is that it’s not your loved one’s fault. Approach them calmly with a peaceful tone of voice, even if they’re getting worked up. Validate their feelings and distract them with soothing music or relaxing activities.
It’s not uncommon for family carers to be tired or frustrated, leading to short fuses and frayed tempers. Your behaviour can mirror onto your loved one, triggering behavioural responses and exacerbating sundowner’s syndrome.
6. Seek support from a professional carer
Sundowning is a draining experience for people with dementia and their loved ones. It requires patience, extra support and a lot of time, which family members may not be able to commit to. If you’re worried about sundowning or caring for your loved one alone, it might be time to seek help.
Respite care is beneficial for giving you time to care for yourself as well. A carer will look after your loved one for a short period of time, allowing you to focus on exercise, eating well, other family or work commitments, and self-care.
For long-term support, dementia care is an excellent option. At Trinity Homecare, we’ll match you with a fully trained carer with experience in dementia and sundowning. You’ll have peace of mind that your loved one is receiving the best care with one-on-one support, day and night.
Trinity Homecare’s private dementia care services
For the past 25 years, we have provided the highest standards of home care for people living with dementia. At Trinity Homecare, we appreciate that the diagnosis of dementia can be an isolating and frightening experience, but we passionately believe that it is absolutely possible to live well with dementia. We’ve produced a library of resources specifically to answer all of your questions surrounding dementia.
Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. You can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.
Talk to our team today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free, no-obligation quotation. If you are enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next business day.
