Yesterday after a stomach full lunch at home, I took a nap. After a deep sleep, I woke up wondering which time of the day it is. I know I’m not the only one who has experienced this kind of confusion. Quite often you would have taken a nap during a random time of the day and when you wake up it might have taken you a while to figure out which time of the day it is.
Sundowning syndrome otherwise called late-day confusion is a neurological phenomenon. Sundowning syndrome is a state of confusion that arises during the late afternoon and this state prolongs till the night. Though there are numerous studies conducted on sundowning syndrome no standard definition has been declared yet.
Sundowning syndrome is not a disease. It is a group of symptoms or behavior, thoughts, and feeling that is common in seniors with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Dementia. It has even been found that nearly 20% of people with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to sundowning syndrome. It is also found that sundowning syndrome catalyzes mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients. The causes of sundowning syndrome have not been discovered yet.
The behaviors of sundowning syndrome are prominent during the sunset. People with sundowning syndrome can be difficult to be taken care of by caregivers. Some of the most common symptoms shown by people with sundowning syndrome are agitation, restlessness, aggressive behavior during the evening ad night, mood swings, hallucinations during the late afternoons and nights, a demanding attitude, and confusion.
Factors that contribute to Sundowning Syndrome:
l Affectations
in the internal clock
l Depression
l A confusion
between reality and dream
l Excessive
hunger or thirst
l Bored
l Traces of
infection
l Insomnia
l Dehydration
l Medicines
side-effects
l A change
from the usual surrounding or environment
l Dull
lighting
l Disturbed
sleep-wake cycle
Tips to manage Sundowning Syndrome:
A commonly asked question among the people who take care of the people who have sundowning is if it can be managed. Hence, here are few tips to manage Sundowning Syndrome.
l Plan the day properly. Sleeping time, meals time everything should be planned properly and followed routinely.
l Relaxing
sounds or music or songs in the evening can be highly impactful.
l Taking naps
at the night should be controlled. It is appreciable if it is avoided. This
will help them sleep on time at the night.
l Avoiding
caffeine and sugar the night is an important factor. Caffeine and sugar will
make your elderly stay awake.
l Exposure to
light is very important. During the day plan activities for the elderly, that
involves exposure to light. This will make them sleepy during the night.
l Make sure
that the surrounding is not dark or unfamiliar. If the surrounding is dark or
unfamiliar it will make the elderly agitated. Keep the night light on, so that
they don’t feel the darkness or feel unfamiliar with the place.
l Feeling of
familiarity is crucial. Make your elderly feel familiar with the place they are
staying. This can be done by hanging photographs or things that they love. This
will stir good memories and they won’t feel detached from the place.
With everything covered, if you think your senior is showing the signs of sundowning syndrome, don’t be panicked. Consult a doctor. You can also help your loved one by being kind to them, talking to them, listening to them when they talk and making them feel loved & cared for. ‘Patience is the key’ to taking care of your elderly.
‘Heal where you belong’
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