Every year, UK Care Week brings together care providers, innovators, and thought leaders to exchange…
Sundowning and clock changes
What is sundowning?
Sundowning is a symptom of Dementia that causes those suffering from it to become more agitated, anxious or confused in the late afternoon and early evening. It typically develops in the middle stages of dementia. It is thought to be caused by changes to disruptions to the circadian rhythm (sleep cycle) of the person suffering from dementia, rather than changes in light levels – though that may play a factor.
What are some of the symptoms of sundowning?
- Confusion
- Anger
- Extreme Agitation
- Emotional outbursts
- Hallucinations
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
Can the clocks changing impact sundowning?
Most people will naturally be tired when the clocks change but for people with dementia and sundowning symptoms, it can be an intense and confusing time. In the weeks after the clocks go back, the symptoms can be more pronounced, as this can impact their circadian rhythms.
Ways you can try to combat the impact of the clocks changing on those with dementia:
Maintain routines
Trying to maintain people’s routines without adding anything new to them for the week leading up to and after the time change. Routine provides security and helps prevent confusion and frustration for people with dementia.
Exposure to natural light
Sundowning is affected by the circadian rhythm, and natural light helps to regulate this as it works out when to wake you up and make you go to sleep. Opening curtains or going for short walks in natural light can be beneficial in keeping this regulated and avoiding confusion. Nightlights in hallways can also help avoid confusion if service users walk around during the night.
Make sure to change all clocks
Some clocks such as ones on phones and laptops will change automatically, but some will not. It is important to make sure that you change all the clocks in your care organisation or the service users’ homes, as clocks at different times can be a cause for distress or confusion for those with dementia. Try to do it at a time when they will not be able to see such as night.
Use curtains/blinds
Turn on the lights and close the curtains/blinds before it gets dark. As it can be triggering if someone sees the sky get dark before they expect it to. The same goes for the morning, if the sun is coming in too early and waking them up, try to get blackout blinds/curtains to limit early exposure to sunlight and avoid disruption to their circadian rhythm.