With the summer weather well underway in the UK, the majority of us are looking forward to the longer days, lighter nights, and warmer weather. However, for those caring for a loved one living with dementia, the changing of the seasons can introduce a new set of challenges.
During this time of year, there can be an increase in ‘sundowning’ in people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Sundowning refers to individuals who can experience changes in behaviour in the late afternoon or early evening. These changes can include increased confusion, anxiety and agitation.
When the evenings begin to warm and the sun starts to stay out much later, the disruption to an individual’s body clock can make these symptoms more noticeable. Here is a look at why the warmer weather affects sundowning and how you can gently manage it at home.
Why do warmer and brighter evenings trigger sundowning
Sundowning is closely linked to the body’s circadian rhythm, also known as an individual’s natural, internal 24-hour body clock. When the seasons change, two main factors can throw this delicate balance off:
Mixed Visual Signals: A person with dementia may typically associate bedtime or evening with darkness. However, in the summer, when it is 8:00pm and still bright outside, the conflicting cues can cause confusion and frustration.
Physical Discomfort: As the temperatures rise, places of comfort can become stuffy, and dehydration becomes a greater risk. Physical discomfort is a major trigger for confusion and distress in those who may struggle to articulate that they are too hot or thirsty.
practical steps to managing sundowning this summer
To help keep your loved one calm, comfortable, and reassured as the sun stays out, try incorporating these practical adjustments into your daily routine:
Maintain Consistent Daily Routines: For individuals living with dementia, stability is vital. Maintaining a consistent daily routine helps to reduce confusion and anxiety, no matter the weather. Regular tasks such as meals, activities, and bedtime should occur at roughly the same time so that agitation is reduced in the evenings.
Manage Exposure to Light: Longer summer days means the sun sets later, which can impact natural sleep cycles. To help combat this, you should prioritise exposure to natural light in the morning but avoid evening light which can disrupt an individual’s sleep pattern.
Beat the Heat: Dehydration and heat can significantly worsen sundowning symptoms, causing increased anxiety and frustration. Ensure you keep places of comfort cool by using fans to circulate air and curtains to block out the sunlight. You should also try and offer fluids frequently throughout the day, even if in small amounts, helping to prevent dehydration. Additionally, providing foods with high water content such as cucumbers can be a great summer alternative.
Prioritise Relaxed Activities: As you head towards the evening, try and steer away from noisy environments. Instead, you should prioritise more relaxing activities such as listening to music or reading to help prepare for the evening. Avoiding overstimulation as you transition towards sunset is key in reducing agitation and confusion for someone living with dementia.
we are here to help
Caring for a loved one with dementia requires hard work and patience, and navigating seasonal changes can only exacerbate those challenges. At Springfield Healthcare, we are here so that you don’t have to go through this alone.
Whether you need a bit of extra support from our team of highly trained carers, a short-term respite break, or are exploring our specialised dementia care services at our Garforth care home, Springfield are always here to offer a compassionate, helping hand.
If you would like to learn more about our tailored dementia services, get in touch with our team today.
