Managing Sundown Syndrome, pt. 2

It is very important to create a daily routine, and repetitive structure, for seniors experiencing Sundown Syndrome.

When you are caring for someone with dementia, routines aren’t just nice to have. They are essential. The same wake-up time, same mealtimes, same bedtime. Every. Single. Day. When someone’s brain struggles to make sense of the world, predictability becomes their anchor.

And lighting? It’s more powerful than you’d think. Getting the person with dementia outside, or at the very least, near a sunny window during the morning, helps reset their confused internal clock. Something as simple as a morning coffee on the patio or 15 minutes of sunshine can make a noticeable difference in evening agitation.

Physical activity matters too, but there’s a sweet spot: too little means excess energy at bedtime, and too much leaves them overtired and more prone to confusion. Think gentle walks or folding laundry together, not marathon workout sessions.

I recommend keeping a journal for a few weeks. Make note when sundowning occurs. What led up to it? And, what factors may have helped or made it worse. It is recommended to track patterns, which helps to identify triggers. Then, develop a strategy that works for your specific elderly situation.

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