7 Ways to Reduce Dementia Sundowning Symptoms

How to manage sundowning symptoms in dementia

Many people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia get increasingly confused, anxious, and agitated later in the day.

Others may have disrupted sleep schedules or restlessness at night.

These sundowning symptoms are disruptive and difficult to manage. They’re also stressful and negatively affect your older adult’s quality of life.

We explain why this behavior happens and share 7 ways to reduce and manage the symptoms.

Use these tips to make evenings more peaceful for both your older adult and you.

What is sundowning and what causes it to happen?

Because this behavior tends to happen in the late afternoon or evening, it’s often called “sundowning.”

Some studies say that sundowning affects up to 20% of people with Alzheimer’s. And, it can also affect older people who don’t have dementia.

Scientists don’t know exactly why sundowning happens, but think that it’s caused by changes in the brain.

Their body clock, which regulates when we’re awake and when we’re asleep, might be affected by these changes.

Sundowning symptoms

When someone is sundowning, they may be:

• Agitated, upset, or anxious
• Confused or disoriented
• Restless
• Irritable or demanding
• Suspicious

They might show it by:

• Getting angry or yelling
• Pacing the room
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
• Having mood swings

7 ways to reduce and manage sundowning symptoms

1. Track their behavior and look for patterns

To reduce sundowning behavior, the first thing to do is figure out your older adult’s biggest triggers – the things that are most likely causing them to get upset or agitated.

Use a caregiving notebook to track their behavior and activities.

Write down your older adult’s daily routine and any symptoms you notice. Pay special attention in the few hours before their sundowning usually starts.

After a few days, you’ll be able to spot clues that tell you which activities, environments, or needs are triggering their behavior or making symptoms worse.

Knowing their triggers helps you avoid or minimize them.

2. Make sure basic needs are taken care of

One or two hours before their symptoms usually start, check to make sure their basic needs are met.

Don’t wait for them to ask – they may not be aware enough or able to properly express their needs.

Sundowning is more likely to happen when someone is:

• End-of-day exhaustion (mental and physical)
• Feeling pain or discomfort
• In need of the toilet
• Hungry or thirsty
• Bored
• Depressed
• Too hot or cold
• Having trouble sleeping

For example, you could make sure they eat a snack and drink some water at 2:30pm, use the toilet every hour or two starting at 3pm, or time their pain medication so it kicks in by 4 or 5pm.

3. Minimize noise, distractions, and shadows

Helping your older adult feel calm and safe will reduce sundowning behavior that’s triggered by overstimulation or fear.

As daylight fades, shadows or dim lighting can play tricks on their eyes and brains and cause fear or anxiety.

Increase feelings of safety by closing curtains and blinds before the sun starts setting so they won’t see reflections or shadows from outside. Turn on plenty of lights to eliminate scary shadows or dark corners

It’s also important to keep them calm by limiting noise and distractions.

For example, turn off the TV, lower music volume, and don’t have visitors over. This is also a time to avoid upsetting or tiring activities like bathing.

If there are others in the house, move children to another room and ask people to be very quiet. Also make sure to avoid noisy chores like vacuuming.

4. Be mindful of your own stress level

After a long day, you might be frustrated, cranky, and exhausted by afternoon (it’s only natural!).

Even if it’s not obvious, people with dementia may be able to sense it. They’re often more sensitive to body language and tone of voice.

Picking up on your stress could cause your older adult to become “sympathetically” stressed, leading to an increase in agitation and anxiety.

To reduce your own stress, try coping tips like taking mini-breaks during the day, getting regular help, or taking a 2 minute stress-relief break 30 minutes before their symptoms usually start. (Get more stress relief tips here.)

5. Establish a daily routine

Sticking to a regular daily routine reduces stress, increases the feeling of security, and improves sleep.

All of that helps reduce sundowning symptoms.

Set regular times for waking up, meals, and going to sleep.

Schedule appointments, outings, visitors, and bath time in the earlier part of the day, when they’re likely to feel their best.

6. Create a relaxing environment

Making your older adult’s environment especially calm and soothing in the later afternoon gives you a head start on reducing agitation and anxiety.

For example, you could play soothing music at a calm, low volume or use aromatherapy to lightly scent the room with a soothing lavender scent.

7. Improve nighttime sleep quality

Having dementia is exhausting, even if your older adult doesn’t do much. That’s why they may want to rest often during the day.

However, too much daytime napping can make it difficult to sleep through the night, a top challenge for many caregivers.

Poor nighttime sleep can also increase daytime fatigue, causing a negative cycle that increases sundowning symptoms.

Structure their daily routine to minimize afternoon naps. If a nap is needed, make it earlier in the afternoon and keep it brief.

Earlier in the day, encourage gentle daily exercise – it’s a great way to improve sleep quality.

In the evening, limit or avoid stimulants like heavy meals, smoking, caffeine, sugar, chocolate, or alcohol.

To improve their sleep, you might also try a weighted blanket, white noise machine, aromatherapy, or experimenting to find the most comfortable room temperature.

Recommended for you:

• Why a Daily Routine Is Important for Seniors
• 8 Coping Tips for Dementia Sundowning and Sleep Issues
• 2 Ways to Solve Senior Sleep Problems So You Can Finally Get Some Rest

By DailyCaring Editorial Team

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About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.