What Is Sundown Syndrome?

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what is sundown syndromeWhat is sundowning syndrome? Also known as “sundown syndrome” and “sundowner’s syndrome,” it’s a period of agitation or cognitive impairment that occurs in the late afternoon or evening, hence the name (1).

It’s difficult to describe exactly what sundown syndrome is since, by definition, it lacks a specific identifiable mechanism or trigger besides the time of day.

There are theories, of course, but no definitive nature. Incidentally, since the phenomenon occurs most often in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, sundown syndrome is seen in the elderly almost exclusively.

Symptoms of Sundown Syndrome

The symptoms of sundown syndrome can overlap with those present in dementia and Alzheimer’s. The main differentiating factor is that sundown syndrome appears or is noticeably more pronounced during the evening period. During this timeframe, the patient may show symptoms such as:

  • Increased anxiety or agitation
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Becoming increasingly demanding of those nearby (nursing staff, etc.)
  • Becoming more suspicious, possibly to the point of paranoia
  • Pacing
  • Shadowing (following someone from room to room)
  • Yelling
  • Mood swings
  • Audible or visual hallucinations
  • Wandering
  • Violence

What Causes Sundown Syndrome?

causes of sundown syndrome

About 20% of those with Alzheimer’s get sundown syndrome at some point during the disease’s progression, but it can appear in patients with other forms of dementia and, rarely, in those without any dementia at all. Some patients only show sundown syndrome after surgery or a period of illness. Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes sundown syndrome. Due to how symptoms appear during a specific time period, a number of theories involve the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural clock. Some examples of proposed causes include:

  • Overstimulation from the flurry of end-of-day activity at a nursing facility, e.g., during staff changes
  • Fatigue and end-of-day exhaustion
  • Boredom, from the lack of activity after the dinner hour
  • Reduced natural light and more pronounced shadows, which can alarm someone who already has some confusion or vision problems
  • A disruption in the circadian rhythm that affects awareness during sleep and waking hours and promotes disorientation
  • Hunger or thirst may cause blood pressure or glucose levels or change and provoke symptoms
  • Sleep disturbances

Though not a strict cause, sundown syndrome is known to occur more in patients with pre-existing memory loss and those who are moved to unfamiliar settings.

Sundown Syndrome Treatments

Managing sundown syndrome takes two forms (2). The first is the minimizing of potential risk factors or triggers and the second is how to help keep someone calm as they go through it.

When interacting with someone who experiences sundown syndrome, or if you experience it yourself, keep an eye out for patterns. What activities coincide with the onset of symptoms? Is there anything you or the patient sees or hears prior to sundowning? Does anything in the room cast shadows that could agitate someone with vision difficulties? Do you or the patient sundown every night? If not, what differences are there between triggered nights and normal ones?

Another approach and one that can be done concurrently is trying to maintain a daily routine. Regular times for waking up, meals, and sleep can help ease agitation in the evenings and allow rest to come more easily. Events like visits, outings, or appointments should be scheduled in the earlier hours of the day when possible. Care should also be taken to avoid things that can possibly affect sleep, such as caffeine in the evening and exercising or napping within four hours of bedtime.

When the evening period arrives, take steps to help maintain calm. This could include closing the curtains and blinds or turning on the lights to keep shadows at bay. Maintaining a comfortable room temperature may also help with relaxation. Try to make sure that anyone moving around nearby, such as other members of the household or nursing staff, isn’t making a lot of noise. Some mild, relaxing activities such as reading, listening to calming music, or going for a light walk can be used to help wind down. If you or the patient has recently moved to an unfamiliar location, setting up familiar items can help create a more calming setting (3).

How to Respond to Someone Experiencing Sundowner Syndrome

How to Respond to Someone Experiencing Sundowner Syndrome
The presence of a family member or friend may help them stay calm.

 

It’s important for caregivers, whether they are family members or trained nurses, to understand how to manage someone who is sundowning. Being able to effectively, respectfully, and safely interact with a sundowner is a key part of everyone’s well-being and safety.

  • Remain calm and ask if something is bothering them. Acknowledge that you are listening, even if you can’t fulfill a request or demand that is made.
  • Reassure them that everything is OK.
  • Resist the urge to argue or contradict them.
  • If they need to pace or otherwise get up and move around, let them but stay nearby and observe.
  • If wandering is a concern, then locks on the doors, windows, or gates may be needed. You may also consider giving them an identification bracelet.
  • The presence of a family member or friend may help them stay calm.
  • Do not leave someone who is sundowning alone in a car or in a public place while you take care of an errand or another “just for a minute” activity.

When to See a Doctor

Although there is no definitive cause or treatment for sundown syndrome, the treatment options mentioned earlier do show some level of effectiveness. If none of them seem to work or if the symptoms are getting worse, consulting with your doctor is advisable. The doctor may be able to prescribe medications that can help or perform examinations and tests to see if there is an underlying condition such as an infection or sleep apnea that could be aggravating the symptoms.

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