Sundowning syndrome, often called sundown syndrome, occurs when a person living with dementia experiences increased confusion, restlessness, or anxiety as evening approaches.
As daylight fades and the day transitions into evening, changes within the brain make it harder to process time, surroundings, and routine. Many families notice that symptoms are calmer in the morning but gradually intensify throughout the day, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. These changes can be difficult for caregivers to manage on their own, which is why understanding sundowning is so important for providing compassionate and effective support.
Causes of Sundowning
The exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood, but research from the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights several contributing factors:
- Disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm
- Changes in natural sleep-wake cycles
- Mental and physical exhaustion that builds throughout the day
- Sleep deprivation or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
- Reduced natural light or dim lighting in the evening
- Unfamiliar surroundings or changes in routine
Alzheimer’s Disease and Sundowning
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common conditions associated with sundowning. As dementia progresses, the brain’s internal clock becomes less dependable, affecting cognitive processes and the ability to interpret light and time.
Although Alzheimer’s is strongly linked to sundowning behaviors, other forms of dementia can also contribute. As memory, reasoning, and orientation become more difficult, the evening hours often feel more overwhelming for individuals living with cognitive decline.
Common Signs of Sundowning
Sundowning symptoms typically develop gradually and become more noticeable as evening approaches. Families often observe:
- Increased confusion or disorientation
- Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness
- Difficulty interpreting shadows or reduced lighting
- Restlessness, pacing, or agitation
- Feeling overwhelmed or unsure
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night
Practical Tips to Reduce Sundowning at Home
When a loved one struggles with sundowning, evenings can feel heavy and uncertain for the entire family. Small, consistent adjustments at home can make a meaningful difference and bring a sense of calm.
Helpful strategies include:
- Turning on lights before daylight fades
- Serving dinner earlier in the evening
- Avoiding caffeine later in the day
- Limiting long or late afternoon naps
- Creating a calming, familiar evening routine
These thoughtful habits help your loved one feel more secure and supported as the day winds down.
How Routine and Structure Make a Difference
For someone living with dementia, the world can feel unfamiliar and unpredictable. Routine and structure bring comfort by offering a sense of what comes next. When memory fades, familiarity becomes a powerful source of peace.
A predictable daily rhythm helps reduce fear and anxiety as evening approaches. Regular patterns in waking, meals, activities, and rest allow the brain to rely on habit rather than memory. This consistency can reduce confusion and lessen sundowning behaviors before they begin.
Routine supports well-being in several ways:
- Consistent patterns offer comfort and reassurance
- Structure helps reduce fear and uncertainty
- Familiar routines support emotional balance
Memory Care and Sundowning
Memory care communities play an important role in supporting individuals who experience sundowning, especially when symptoms become more frequent or difficult to manage at home. Professional memory care environments are intentionally designed to reduce triggers such as dim lighting, overstimulation, and unfamiliar surroundings.
Trained caregivers understand sundowning behaviors and respond with patience, calming activities, and structured routines that protect cognitive health and emotional well-being.
At Grand Brook Memory Care, this approach is woven into every part of our community. Our caregivers create a nurturing, predictable atmosphere that helps residents feel secure and understood as evening approaches.
Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome
Sundowning is best managed with a whole-person approach. Addressing sleep, physical comfort, emotional needs, and daily routine together can significantly ease symptoms.
Evening environments that include soothing music, lowered noise levels, gentle lighting, and relaxing activities can help your loved one feel safe and supported. With the right dementia care and memory care structure, individuals experiencing sundowning can experience greater calm, comfort, and stability.
A Gentle Path Forward
If your loved one is experiencing sundowning and you are seeking compassionate, consistent support, Grand Brook Memory Care is here for your family. Our professional team understands
the challenges of sundowning and provides structured routines, calming environments, and personalized support that protect dignity and promote emotional well-being.
Contact Grand Brook Memory Care today to learn how we can walk alongside your family and support your loved one every step of the way.
