What Is Sundowning?

When caring for someone living with dementia, you may notice changes in their behaviour as evening approaches. This phenomenon, known as sundowning, whilst difficult, can be effectively managed with understanding and the right support.

This article explores what sundowning is, why it happens, the symptoms to look for, and empowering strategies that can make a real difference in dementia care.

Understanding Sundowning

Sometimes you might notice changes in the person's behaviour in the later afternoon or towards the end of the day. During this time the person may become distressed, agitated and have hallucinations or delusions. Whilst the confusion that comes with sundowning can make the person living with dementia feel unsettled and anxious, recognising these patterns helps us provide better support.

Sundowning typically happens in the late afternoon and evening, around dusk. It may be brief or last several hours. This is sometimes known as 'sundowning' but is not necessarily linked to the sun setting or limited to the end of the day. Understanding its timing helps carers prepare and implement helpful strategies.

Why Does Sundowning Happen?

Whilst the exact causes of sundowning aren't fully understood, identifying potential triggers empowers us to create better care strategies. Understanding these factors helps carers provide more effective support for their loved ones.

Several factors may contribute to sundowning in people living with dementia:

• Disrupted body clock - changes in the person's body clock that occur in some types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia
• Environmental changes - environmental changes like streetlights coming on or people settling in for the evening, which can trigger a sense of being in the wrong place
• Fatigue and unmet needs - These might include: tiredness, hunger, pain or other physical needs we can address
• Staffing changes - different care staff being on shift in a care home (though experienced teams know how to manage these transitions smoothly)
• Family exhaustion - when family members are tired (which is why professional support can be so valuable)

Recognising the Signs of Sundowning

Being able to identify the signs of sundowning means you can respond more effectively and compassionately. Each person's experience is unique, but understanding common symptoms helps us provide better care.

Emotional Expressions

Sundowning often makes a person living with dementia feel very strongly that they are in the wrong place. They might express needs to go home, even if they are at home, or think they need to pick their children up from school, even if they are now adults. Understanding these feelings helps us respond with empathy and reassurance.

Behavioural Communications

A person who is sundowning might show restlessness, fidgeting, irritability, or verbal expressions of distress. They might follow a family member, pace or walk around – often they're trying to fulfil a need like finding someone they remember or getting something to eat. Recognising these behaviours as communication helps us address underlying needs.

When Does Sundowning Typically Occur?

Sundowning can happen at any stage of dementia but is more common during the middle and later stages. It affects around 20% of people living with dementia in general, and can be more common in residential settings, particularly during adjustment periods. The good news is that with proper support, these symptoms often improve as people settle into their new environment.

The timing can vary between individuals, typically beginning in late afternoon or early evening, though some people may experience symptoms at different times. This predictability helps carers prepare effective support strategies.

How Carers Can Successfully Support Someone Experiencing Sundowning

Supporting someone through sundowning becomes easier with patience, understanding, and proven strategies. Prevention and early intervention often work, and many families find they can significantly reduce the impact of sundowning with the right approach.

Creating a Calming Environment

Simple environmental adjustments can make a remarkable difference. Close the curtains or blinds once it starts to get dark and cover reflective surfaces like televisions when not in use. Soft, warm lighting throughout the home creates a peaceful atmosphere that many find comforting.

Meeting Needs Proactively

Often what appears as 'sundowning' is the person communicating a need – perhaps for the toilet, food, or pain relief. Regular comfort checks throughout the day can prevent distress and help maintain wellbeing.

Engaging Activities That Bring Joy

If someone seems agitated, gentle distraction through favourite memories or enjoyable conversations often helps. Planning engaging activities before the usual sundowning time can be particularly effective – whether it's gentle exercise, familiar music, or a beloved hobby. These positive experiences often carry through the evening.

Professional Support That Makes a Difference

When sundowning affects quality of life, excellent professional support is available. Your GP can discuss whether specific approaches might help manage symptoms. Many families find that professional guidance transforms their ability to support their loved one.

Specialist dementia care homes, like those at KYN, excel in supporting those experiencing sundowning. Our specially trained teams understand the complexities of this phenomenon and provide personalised care that honours each individual's needs and preferences. We create environments designed to maximise comfort and minimise confusion, with thoughtful attention to lighting, routine, and individual care plans that truly make a difference.

Finding Compassionate Excellence at KYN

At KYN, we understand the importance of creating nurturing sanctuaries for our residents. Our luxury care homes provide peaceful, supportive environments where those experiencing sundowning receive expert care with genuine compassion.

If you'd like to learn more about how our specialist dementia care can support your loved one through sundowning and beyond, we're here to help. Contact us today on +44 (0) 20 4530 7700 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk to discover how we can support your family's journey.