Although it is common for elderly people to experience mood swings throughout the day, their moods may specifically change as nighttime approaches. There are various behaviors the elderly may exhibit, with the most common being restless or agitated, resulting in a lack of sleep. Known as sundowning, this phenomenon can be managed by caregivers at home to promote the senior’s health and well-being through the night.

What is Sundowning?

Sundowning is known by many names, often referred to as sundown syndrome or sundowner syndrome. This condition refers to the late-day delirium that affects older people. It is not linked to a specific cause and is not a disease. Rather, the set of symptoms is associated with dementia.

Sundowning most commonly occurs in seniors who are in the middle to late stages of dementia. The symptoms of this condition are out of the older dementia patient’s control—but are best managed with the help of a geriatric physician or memory care specialist.

However, sundowning can occur in seniors without dementia. Aging leads to a loss of brain mass, which increases the risk of agitation, confusion, and disorientation during twilight. Older people with sleep disturbances or Parkinson’s disease can also experience sundowning symptoms.

Symptoms begin around 4:30 in the afternoon to 11:00 at night—when daylight begins to fade and the day closes. Seniors may experience sundowning symptoms around the same time each day, with symptoms lasting for several hours. Fortunately, sundowning is a phase and seniors soon revert to normal.

What are the Symptoms of Sundowning?

Older people who are affected by sundowning display a range of noticeable symptoms that begin in the late afternoon and extend through nighttime hours. The senior often becomes confused or disoriented causing anxiety to arise. Elderly individuals may display uncharacteristic agitation or aggression without realizing it. The person with severe symptoms may become so agitated that they yell or act violently. Mood swings are possible as evening sets in. The senior might hallucinate and see or hear things that are not there. They may shadow caregivers and ask repeated questions or interrupt.

Some seniors who experience symptoms of sundowning become suspicious or make excessive demands. They may ignore directions and begin to pace or wander, necessitating constant monitoring by caregivers to ensure their safety. Emotional symptoms include irritability and feelings of restlessness.

Symptoms are typically inconsistent and unpredictable. Caregivers may notice the older adult to be more confused on any given night than on others. The next evening, they may appear irritable instead. Signs of sundowning vary, so caregivers are unlikely to recognize patterns right away.

Caregivers may notice the senior shows signs of sundowning syndrome for a day or two and then not display symptoms again for a while. Once symptoms manifest consistently over several days to weeks, the caregiver can be sure the symptoms are caused by sundowning.

How is Sundowning Managed?

1. Promote Comfort

Caregivers can manage sundowning symptoms in the elderly by creating a comfortable home environment. Older adults with dementia feel secure amid familiarity. Provide them with an item that promotes comfort, like a favorite blanket, and surround them with cherished family photos.

2. Try Light Therapy

Light therapy is shown to help reduce confusion and agitation in seniors diagnosed with dementia. Sundowning symptoms may be alleviated by adjusting the levels of light in the home. This step is useful, especially in winter when the daylight hours grow shorter.

Caregivers might try shining a full-spectrum fluorescent light three feet away from the older adult for a few hours in the mornings as a form of light therapy. Alternately, when darkness falls, turn on the outside lights to ease symptoms of sundowning in the senior.

3. Encourage Calm at Night

A calming environment combats symptoms of elderly sundowning. Reduce activities that cause the senior stress, frustration, or confusion. Rather, encourage them to participate in simple activities that are not overly challenging or frightening (watching a horror show on television can overly stimulate them).

Engage in activities that are calming for the senior. Caregivers might read a book to them or look through family photo albums. Play soft music in the home to help the senior relax. If the older person has a pet, give them opportunities to snuggle with their furry friend.

4. Schedule Daytime Exercise

Seniors with sundowning syndrome feel too restless at night to sleep well. Upon feeling fatigued, the senior’s sundowning symptoms worsen the next day. Caregivers should schedule regular exercise into the day to help promote a good night’s sleep. Avoid letting the senior take daytime naps. Exercise for the elderly individual can include a walk to the mailbox or a stroll around the backyard or nearby park. The movement reduces their restlessness, which allows them to sleep better. Plus, they get a healthy dose of natural sunlight, maintain their mobility, and breathe fresh air.

Sundowning is also managed when caregivers establish a daily routine for meals, waking, bathtime, and exercise. Seniors with dementia respond well to routine, which fosters a sense of security. Older adults also respond well to the compassionate home care provided by Assisting Hands Home Care.

Our nationally recognized elder care agency provides hands-on dementia care to older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Professional caregivers are experienced in managing and easing dementia symptoms to promote a better quality of life for seniors.

Memory care includes medication reminders, discreet help with personal hygiene tasks, and healthy meal preparation. If your aging loved one is prone to wandering, we monitor them to prevent falls and keep them from leaving the home. Dementia patients have a caregiver with them at all times to ensure they are receiving the care they deserve. Our professionals are also pleasant companions who socially engage with seniors through conversations, games, puzzles, and outings. Seniors participate in memory exercises to keep their minds alert and stimulated. Regular socialization prevents aging care recipients from feeling loneliness and isolation.

If your aging loved one suffers from sundowning, Assisting Hands Home Care caregivers create a calm environment, establish daily routines, and schedule exercise into their day. We serve seniors in Tampa, Florida. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn how dementia care enhances quality of life.