Can You Slow Down Sundown Syndrome? A Closer Look
Do you help care for a loved one with dementia?
Over five million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. This and other forms of dementia make individuals very prone to developing sundown syndrome.
‘Sundowning’ starts in the afternoon and lasts through the night. This condition causes a person to act very uncharacteristically during these dark hours.
They may get confused, agitated, paranoid, and even violent. This puts their safety and wellbeing at risk.
Can you slow the progression of this? You may be able to stop the symptoms.
Keep reading to learn how.
Healthy Sleep
Exhaustion brings on the symptom of sundowner syndrome. it is much more difficult to control a tired mind.
Encourage healthy sleep for your loved one. This will keep their mind sharp. Plus, they cannot act out while asleep.
Creating a routine schedule helps the circadian rhythm stay on track. Stick to a typical bedtime and wake-up call that allows for seven to eight hours of sleep.
If this does not seem like enough, plan for a midday nap. Keep it short and sweet, and do not let it fall too close to bedtime.
At bedtime, keep lights off and remove electronics from the room. Many people use television as a way to fall asleep, but even that little bit of light hinders melatonin production. Plus, this keeps the brain active.
A nightly meditation may help. Eyes closed, they should slowly inhale for eight seconds, pause for four seconds, and then exhale for 8 seconds and pause. Repeating this cycle a few times will ready the mind and body for rest.
Exercise
Physical activity improves blood flow throughout the body and brain. This prevents cognitive decline. Plus, movement releases energy that may otherwise go into sundowning syndrome.
Get your loved one up and moving. If possible, take them out for a daily walk.
Physical impairment can make this difficult. But, even sitting them upright and doing chair exercises that move the limbs, and stretch the body can help.
Lighten Up
Exposure to light during the day resets a person’s circadian rhythm. Take them outside in warm weather or sit them by a window with good sunlight.
Sights and sounds of the natural world can also calm the mind. On dark and dreary days, make an effort to keep the house bright, because even artificial lighting helps.
Don’t Overdo It
Create a comfortable schedule for your loved one. While activities will keep their mind and body from deteriorating, too much will exhaust them and set off sundowner syndrome. Keep a fairly consistent schedule that allows downtime during the day.
Avoid Certain Substances
Alcohol and caffeine can both bring on sundowning. While alcohol impairs judgments and reduces inhibitions, caffeine agitates the body and mind.
Avoid:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated coffee
- Caffeinated tea
- Soda
Most of the time, you can find decaffeinated substitutes that will satisfy their cravings. If they love chocolate, offer small amounts in the morning, rather than at night.
Take Care With Sundown Syndrome
Sundown syndrome makes a person very vulnerable to accidental injury, like falls. Take special care to help prevent these symptoms and slow the progression so your loved one may remain safe.
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