Supporting Loved Ones With Sundown Syndrome: Practical Advice

Feb 15

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Sundown Syndrome: Sundown Syndrome happens when people with dementia get more confused or upset in the late afternoon or evening. Learning about its signs and causes can help you support your loved one better.
How to Handle Sundown Syndrome: Try simple ways to make things calmer, like keeping the room quiet and cozy. This can help your loved one feel less stressed and more relaxed.
Self Care For Caregivers: Caregivers need to care for themselves too. Use help from professionals and community programs so you can stay strong and keep helping your loved one.

Taking care of someone with Sundown Syndrome can be hard, but it’s also an important way to show love. This condition, often linked to dementia, causes confusion, restlessness, and mood swings in the late afternoon and evening. These changes can be tough to handle, but with patience, understanding, and the right care, you can help your loved one feel safe and supported. If you care for someone with sundown syndrome, joining a support group can help. Here is one to consider:

Building Better CaregiversⓇ is a six-week online program designed to support and empower caregivers. It offers education and support in a convenient, online setting. We understand the difficulties and challenges of being a caregiver, that’s why we offer Building Better Caregivers as a tool to help make life a little easier for caregivers and less isolating.

Caregivers can join at any time, work at their own pace, and participate whenever they want. Each group is made up of 30 caregivers who connect through weekly lessons, discussion boards, and one-on-one conversations, offering one another tips and support for their personal caregiving challenges.

The program is led by trained staff members many of whom have been caregivers themselves. These leaders guide discussions, share personalized resources, and keep workshops safe and supportive.

Building Better Caregivers has been recognized as a proven program by the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and the Family Caregiving Alliance.

“It was very helpful to learn things I might not have known and get tips and support from the others in the group. It helps just knowing there is someone who knows what you’re going through and can offer helpful tips, not just listen.”

– Building Better Caregivers Participant

What Is Sundown Syndrome?

Sundown Syndrome, or sundowning, happens when someone becomes more confused, restless, or upset in the late afternoon or evening. It’s common in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but not everyone with these conditions experiences it.

This happens because the body’s internal clock may get mixed up or because the fading light changes what they see and feel. Learning what causes it and when it happens can help you support your loved one better.

Knowing The Signs Of Sundown Syndrome

Noticing the signs of Sundown Syndrome early can help you manage it better. Some common signs are:

Confusion: They might seem more unsure about where they are or what’s happening.
Agitation: They may get upset or restless without a clear reason.
Pacing or Wandering: Walking back and forth or moving around more than usual.
Mood Swings: Quickly changing from calm to upset or angry.
Trouble Sleeping: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.

Recognizing these signs can help you take steps to keep your loved one calm and comfortable.

Creating A Calm Environment

A peaceful and structured space can help reduce symptoms of Sundown Syndrome. Try these simple steps:

Keep a Routine: Stick to the same schedule for meals, activities, and rest. This helps them feel safe and know what to expect.
Use Soft Lighting: Turn on gentle lights in the evening to reduce shadows and mimic daylight, making the space less confusing.
Reduce Noise and Clutter: Turn off loud TVs or radios and keep the area neat to make it more relaxing.
Try Calming Activities: Offer quiet things to do, like listening to soft music, reading, or gentle stretching, to help them feel at ease.
Make the Space Safe: Remove anything they could trip over and secure doors and windows to stop wandering.

These steps can help your loved one feel calm and safe, especially during difficult times.

Good Strategies For Managing Symptoms

How to Manage Sundown Syndrome

Helping someone with Sundown Syndrome takes patience and care. Here are some simple ways to make evenings easier:

Stay Active During the Day: Encourage walking, light exercise, or fun activities earlier in the day to help them feel calmer at night.
Watch Their Diet: Avoid giving caffeine or sugary snacks in the afternoon. Offer healthy, light meals in the evening.
Give Reassurance: If they seem confused or upset, calmly talk to them and show them familiar things to help them feel safe.
Redirect Their Attention: If they get agitated, gently guide them to a calming activity, like listening to music or drawing.
Use Gentle Touch: Holding their hand or giving a light massage can help them feel relaxed.

By using these strategies with kindness and understanding, you can help make evenings more peaceful for both of you.

How To Talk With Someone With Sundown Syndrome

Clear and kind communication can help your loved one feel calm and safe. Here are some tips:

Stay Calm: Use a gentle voice, even if they’re upset or confused.
Use Simple Words: Speak in short, easy sentences so they can understand you better.
Look Them in the Eye: Eye contact shows you’re paying attention and helps them feel supported.
Understand Their Feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel upset. Saying, “I see you’re worried,” can help comfort them.
Use Gestures: Pointing or showing objects can help explain things when words are hard to understand.

These tips can help ease their anxiety and build trust between you.

Getting Professional Help When You Need It

Sometimes managing Sundown Syndrome at home isn’t enough. Here’s when you should ask for extra help:

Worsening Symptoms: If they’re getting more upset or harder to calm down, talk to a doctor.
Medicine Options: A doctor might suggest medicine to help with anxiety, agitation, or trouble sleeping.
Special Therapies: Experts like occupational or behavioral therapists can teach new ways to improve their comfort and happiness.
Join Support Groups: Talking to other caregivers can give you advice and support for handling similar challenges. These groups and support systems, like Building Better CaregiversⓇ, can make you feel less alone and give you useful advice on how to take care of your loved ones.
Take a Break: Respite care services let you rest while someone else takes care of your loved one in a safe space.

Getting help is not giving up—it’s a way to make sure both you and your loved one get the care you need.

Taking Care Of Yourself As A Caregiver

Caring for someone with Sundown Syndrome can be hard, so it’s important to take care of yourself too. Here’s how:

Set Realistic Goals: Know that some days will be harder than others, and focus on what you can manage.
Take Time for Yourself: Plan small breaks, like a walk or reading a book, to recharge.
Talk About Your Feelings: Share your thoughts with friends, family, or a therapist to help with stress.
Join Caregiver Groups: Connect with others who are going through the same thing for support and advice.
Stay Healthy: Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise to keep your body and mind strong.

Taking care of yourself helps you stay strong and continue to care for your loved one with love and patience.

Final Thoughts

Helping a loved one with Sundown Syndrome takes kindness, flexibility, and strength. By learning about the condition, spotting its signs, and using calming strategies, you can make things easier for them.

Be patient when you talk to them, ask for professional help if needed, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. Every little effort you make helps create a more peaceful and comforting environment.

With love and thoughtful care, you can handle the challenges of Sundown Syndrome and keep the special bond you share strong.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supporting Loved Ones With Sundown Syndrome

What is the difference between Sundown Syndrome and general evening agitation?

Sundown Syndrome is a condition often linked to dementia that causes confusion and restlessness in the evening. General evening agitation might not involve dementia and could be due to tiredness or stress.

Is Sundown Syndrome a permanent condition?

Sundown Syndrome usually lasts long-term in people with dementia, but its symptoms can change over time. With the right care, it can often be managed.

What causes Sundown Syndrome?

The exact cause is unknown, but it may be linked to changes in the body’s clock, brain chemistry, and how the senses process light and sound as the day ends.

Does Sundown Syndrome only affect elderly individuals?

It mostly affects older adults with dementia, but younger people with dementia can also experience it.

Can Sundown Syndrome occur without dementia?

While it’s usually tied to dementia, other medical issues, medications, or sleep problems can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Are there natural remedies for Sundown Syndrome?

Yes! Keeping a steady routine, getting natural light during the day, and using calming techniques like aromatherapy or soft music in the evening can help.

How can I prevent Sundown Syndrome in my loved one?

You can’t fully prevent it, but encouraging good sleep habits, exposing them to sunlight, and having a peaceful evening routine can lower the chances of symptoms.

Can dietary changes help manage Sundown Syndrome?

Yes, avoiding caffeine and sugary snacks in the afternoon and offering balanced meals can help keep energy steady and reduce symptoms.

What role does physical exercise play in Sundown Syndrome?

Exercise during the day helps improve sleep and lowers restlessness in the evening, making it a useful strategy.

Are there specific tools or devices to help with Sundown Syndrome?

Light therapy lamps, weighted blankets, and white noise machines can make the environment more calming and help manage symptoms.

Maggie Reed