How to Manage Sundowning in Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is deeply meaningful—but it also comes with complex challenges. One of the most common and difficult behaviors caregivers face is sundowning, a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or anxiety that tends to appear in the late afternoon or evening.

Sundowning can disrupt both the person living with dementia and the caregiver, turning what should be a calm part of the day into a stressful one. The good news is that with awareness, patience, and simple adjustments, it’s possible to ease these moments and create a more peaceful routine for both of you.

1. Identify the Triggers

Every person’s experience with sundowning is different. Paying close attention to what happens before your loved one becomes restless can help you spot patterns.

Common triggers may include:

• Too much noise or activity later in the day

• Fatigue or skipped naps

• Hunger, thirst, or discomfort

• Dim lighting or shadows that cause confusion

Once you identify these triggers, you can begin to adjust the environment or daily rhythm to reduce stress before sundowning starts.

2. Address Physical Discomfort

Sometimes agitation is your loved one’s way of communicating that something doesn’t feel right. Regularly check for signs of hunger, thirst, fatigue, or pain—especially if your loved one has trouble expressing these needs.

Try these simple preventive steps:

• Offer light snacks and fluids throughout the day.

• Encourage rest in the afternoon to prevent evening exhaustion.

• Make sure clothing and room temperature are comfortable.

Meeting basic needs early can help prevent confusion and frustration from escalating later.

3. Adjust the Daily Routine

Structure can bring comfort and predictability to someone with dementia. Try to plan stimulating or demanding activities earlier in the day, such as bathing, errands, or appointments.

As evening approaches, transition to quieter, more soothing routines:

• Dim the lights gradually to signal winding down.

• Play calming music or soft nature sounds.

• Avoid television or loud noise that might increase agitation.

A consistent, gentle evening routine helps your loved one feel secure and reduces the chance of restlessness.

4. Seek Support as a Care Partner

You don’t have to navigate sundowning—or caregiving—alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can provide both emotional support and practical tips.

Consider joining a caregiver support group (online or local), or learning more through trusted dementia care programs and communities. Educating yourself about the “why” behind these behaviors can empower you to respond with greater confidence and calm.

Remember: taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential to sustaining your ability to care for your loved one.

5. Lead with Empathy

At the heart of every caregiving challenge lies an opportunity for connection. When sundowning happens, try to see it from your loved one’s perspective: the world may look and feel confusing, and they may simply be afraid.

Respond with empathy—use a gentle tone, maintain eye contact, and reassure them with calm presence. Sometimes, holding a hand, offering a familiar object, or simply being quietly beside them can bring more comfort than words.

Managing sundowning takes patience, compassion, and flexibility. By identifying triggers, addressing physical discomfort, maintaining a peaceful routine, and caring for your own well-being, you can make evenings less stressful and more nurturing.

Each moment of calm you create, no matter how small, helps your loved one feel safe and loved. And that’s what truly matters in the journey of dementia care.

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