Sundowners syndrome, or sundowning, is a condition often experienced by seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It refers to increased confusion, agitation, and anxiety that tends to worsen in the late afternoon or evening. For seniors in Minnesota’s long winter months, this condition can become more pronounced due to shorter daylight hours and prolonged darkness, disrupting their sense of time and triggering behavioral symptoms.
Today, BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover will explore the unique challenges of managing sundowners syndrome in winter, and offer strategies to alleviate symptoms, including the use of light therapy, calming routines, and the support of caregivers.
Why Does Sundowning Worsen During Winter?
Several factors contribute to increased sundowning symptoms in the winter:
- Shorter daylight hours: The lack of sunlight disrupts circadian rhythms, or the body’s internal clock, making it harder for seniors to distinguish between day and night.
- Increased indoor time: With harsh weather, seniors are often confined indoors, reducing exposure to stimulating activities that help regulate behavior.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Even individuals without dementia can experience emotional struggles during the winter, which may exacerbate existing conditions like anxiety and confusion.
Light Therapy: Resetting the Internal Clock
Bright light therapy is a promising tool to reduce sundowning symptoms by helping regulate melatonin levels and circadian rhythms. Light therapy involves exposure to a specialized light box that mimics natural sunlight.
- How it helps: A 20- to 30-minute session with a light box in the morning can improve mood, regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and reduce evening agitation.
- Best practices: Position the light box near the senior while they engage in a relaxing morning activity, such as breakfast or reading. Avoid using light therapy too late in the day, as it may interfere with nighttime sleep patterns.
If needed, BrightStar caregivers can assist with incorporating light therapy into daily routines, ensuring that the sessions are done consistently and safely.
Establishing Calming Evening Routines
Predictability and structure can help soothe seniors with sundowners syndrome, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. Calming routines reduce the chance of agitation and make transitions from day to night smoother.
- Activities to incorporate:
- Soft music or nature sounds during dinner
- Aromatherapy using lavender or chamomile to promote relaxation
- A warm bath or foot massage before bedtime
- Watching familiar TV shows or listening to audiobooks to avoid overstimulation
Caregivers can also help dim the lights gradually in the late afternoon to simulate dusk, helping seniors prepare mentally for bedtime without feeling disoriented by a sudden change in lighting.
The Role of Caregivers in Managing Sundowning
Caregivers play a crucial role in preventing and managing sundowning episodes. At BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover, trained caregivers provide personalized care tailored to each senior’s needs. Their support includes:
- Monitoring patterns: Tracking when and where agitation occurs to identify triggers and adjust routines.
- Engaging in calming activities: Caregivers encourage seniors to participate in relaxing activities, such as folding laundry or organizing photo albums, which can provide a sense of purpose.
- Providing emotional support: Caregivers offer reassurance and companionship to reduce anxiety, particularly during moments of confusion or fear in the evening.
Additionally, overnight caregivers are available to provide assistance if the senior experiences restlessness or confusion during the night, offering peace of mind for families.
Helping Seniors Navigate Winter with Comfort
Sundowning can be a difficult challenge, especially during Minnesota’s dark and cold winter months, but with thoughtful strategies, it’s possible to reduce symptoms and improve well-being. BrightStar Care can provide you with in-home care solutions to manage sundowners syndrome. If you or a loved one is struggling with sundowning symptoms, contact BrightStar Care of Maple Grove and Andover.
BrightStar Care® is Here to Help
At BrightStar Care® of Maple Grove and Andover, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services that enrich the quality of life for those who need care from the comfort of their home. We strive to provide the full continuum of care to our community while keeping our focus on offering a higher standard of care. Offering unparalleled support for our local healthcare system while providing a variety of high-quality, compassionate care, we work to give our clients the best lives possible while also strengthening the broader community. Contact us through our website or call 952.600.7352, so that we can help you find the right support to fit your unique needs.