Sundowning
Sundowning is a term used about the changes in behaviour that occur in the evening, around dusk. Some people who have been diagnosed with dementia experience a growing sense of agitation or anxiety at this time.
Practical tips on preventing sundowning • Follow a routine during the day that contains activities the person enjoys • Going outside for a walk or visiting some shops is good exercise • Limit the person’s intake of caffeinated drinks: tea, coffee and colas. Consider stopping the person from drinking alcohol altogether. Caffeine-free tea, coffee and cola is available, as is alcohol-free beer and wine • Try and limit the person’s naps during the day to encourage them to sleep well at night instead • Close the curtains and turn the lights on before dusk begins, to ease the transition into nighttime • If possible, cover mirrors or glass doors. Reflections can be confusing for someone with dementia • Once you are in for the evening, speak in short sentences and give simple instructions to the person, to try and limit their confusion • Avoid large meals in the evening as this can be disrupt sleep patterns • Introduce an evening routine with activities the person enjoys, such as watching a favourite programme, listening to music, stroking a pet etc. Try to keep television or radio stations set to something calming and relatively quiet however. Sudden loud noises or people shouting can be distressing for a person with dementia.
Notes from" Dementia UK"
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