{"id":2822,"date":"2019-01-17T04:46:27","date_gmt":"2019-01-17T04:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2822"},"modified":"2021-03-22T16:16:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-22T16:16:08","slug":"15-causes-of-sundowning-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-causes-of-sundowning-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Sundowning Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sundowning is a late-stage symptom of Alzheimer\u2019s disease as well as other types of dementia. It is also sometimes referred to as late-day confusion. If someone that you care about is currently suffering from dementia, the level of confusion that they face might worsen during the later hours of the afternoon and early hours of the evening. Their agitation could also worsen during this time. Their symptoms may be less apparent during the earlier hours of the day though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s most likely for them to suffer from sundowning syndrome if they are in the middle or later stages of dementia. The best way to mitigate the symptoms is by understanding the root causes and triggers so that you may remove it or reconcile it. The issue is that the diversity of triggers makes it rather difficult to pinpoint each one. Nonetheless, here are eight of the most common causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lack of light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the common causes of sundowning symptoms is a shift in the circadian rhythm<\/a>. The circadian rhythm is the biological clock that tells your brain when it should be asleep and when it should be awake. Sometimes the clock can become out of tune with the day if the patient isn\u2019t getting enough natural light in the morning or getting too much light in the night. If you suspect this to be the case, be sure to open the curtains during the day and dim your lighting fixtures when night falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will help their brain get back in tune and sleep at the appropriate time so that they don\u2019t have to suffer from these adverse effects. If adjusting the light isn\u2019t enough to synchronize their circadian rhythm you could try getting a full-spectrum fluorescent light and placing it a meter away from the patient for one or two hours every morning. This light should be enough to tell their brain that it is currently morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Lack of exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many patients who suffer from sundowning syndrome have difficulty sleeping during the night. Since they aren\u2019t able to get enough sleep, they will become fatigued which is another trigger for sundowning, thus the cycle continues, and it is a vicious one. If you find them dozing off constantly during the day, they\u2019ll most likely have trouble sleeping later on. If you want them to get enough sleep at night, it\u2019s imperative that you keep them active throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking together to the park or heading to the mall could help them get the exercise <\/a>they need to fall asleep at the appropriate time. Keeping them active will also increase the quality of their sleep in addition to its duration which should help with the symptoms of their syndrome. Regular exercise isn\u2019t just good for their mental health, but also for their physical health. Many studies have shown that walking throughout the day will lower blood pressure and decrease the chances of developing heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Poor eating patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another way to mitigate the sundowning symptoms is by adjusting the eating patterns of your loved one. If they eat large meals, it might be harder for them to sleep at night leading to agitation. This is only amplified if they have alcohol or caffeine <\/a>with their meals. If you want them to be less of a hassle at night, ensure that they don\u2019t take those substances closer to the night and also that their meal portions are smaller in size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they insist on large meals, alcohol, or caffeine, at least limit these to breakfast and lunch, never dinner. Limiting the amount of food they have for dinner will ensure that they don\u2019t feel too full to sleep. If they\u2019re too stuffed to go to bed, they\u2019ll be awake for longer, giving the syndrome more time to manifest its nasty effects. If they insist on having a nightcap, push them towards wine rather than hard liquors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep your loved one calm during the evening. Limit their activity to simple tasks that won\u2019t frustrate them. Stress <\/a>and frustration can amplify their irritability and confusion. If they have advanced or mid-stage dementia, reading a book or watching television might be too difficult for them, especially at night. A good alternative is playing some classical music so that they have a quiet and calm environment that will make it easy for the mt ogo to bed. Giving them some softer pillows could also reduce stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As tempting as it is, never uses scented candles as they might knock them over which could lead to a fire. If you don\u2019t have any means of playing classical music, you could sing a soft song to them. Perhaps one of their favorites that you often hear them humming. Never choose a song that is faster in pace as it will only keep them up instead of helping them fall asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Lack of familiarity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Try to remember the last time you came down with the flu. The odds are that the biggest wish you had was to be surrounded by your family and to be comforted with pleasant thoughts. For those who suffer from dementia<\/a>, their world is a very scary place. Giving them a sense of familiarity can make it easier for them to cope during this trying time of their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should make an effort to fill their home with items that they\u2019ll find familiar and comforting. Old pictures, belongings, and other memoirs could help them feel at home and mitigate their confusion. If they end up moving to a hospital or assisted living facility, you should bring the items from their home that they hold most near and dear so that their new residence won\u2019t feel as strange and alien to them. Stuffed animals from their youth could also make for a good source of comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Lack of routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be hard for dementia patients to develop, much less remember, new routines. Seeing unfamiliar things and places could lead to feelings of anger, confusion, and stress. All these emotions <\/a>play a large role in the process of sundowning and its various adverse effects. Keeping a daily schedule could help them feel more relaxed and calm. Don\u2019t make too many changes to their routine or they may become anxious and get confused as to what they should do next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you must make some changes to their routine, do it gradually rather than making some acute revamp that will only worsen their confusion. Some mild tweaking here and there is fine but overall you should keep it as consistent as possible. Getting the routine written down could also be helpful to both you and them. It\u2019s important that you prepare them for the next activity a few minutes beforehand. You can tell them that once they finish their meal you\u2019re going to bathe them so that they don\u2019t get surprised when you bring the sponge in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Poor condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are in poor condition will suffer more severe symptoms than those who live a healthy lifestyle. There are many things that can affect the mental health<\/a> of a patient. The most common causes of the symptoms are hunger, thirst, and fatigue. A patient who is thirsty or hungry will have difficulty getting to bed, much like any of us would. Fatigue can also make it hard for them to maintain a regular sleep schedule as they will constantly be napping earlier in the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boredom and depression can also make it harder for them to fall asleep as they will constantly be thinking of sad thoughts which will keep them up all night long, again, leading to fatigue the following day. The issue with these causes is that so many complement each other. Boredom leads to depression which reduces their sleep leading to fatigue which then leads to napping which furthers the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Other causes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Other triggers to their symptoms may not even be psychological in nature. Some patients might be suffering from physical ailments but are too far gone to tell their helper about it. Stomach aches are a common reason that leads to patients with dementia struggling to get to bed. They might also be suffering from joint pain or toothache. It\u2019s important to remember that patients in this state aren\u2019t collected enough to inform you of any struggles that they may be facing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s important to be observant and bring them in for their periodic doctor’s appointment. While most of the time the symptoms are caused by psychological <\/a>factors, you should never rule out the possibility that their complaints are actually about a very real ailment that they are going through. If you see them crying or whining throughout the night, you can give them a basic inspection. Check on their limbs for bruises that might indicate a fall, look for bumps on their heads, and see if they have any swelling in their gums.
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9. End-of-day Activity Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many seniors living with cognitive disorders stay in nursing homes to receive the care they need. Research shows that some seniors may become disorientated during the end of the day. Most nursing homes change staff shifts between the hours of 4 pm and 6 pm. During this changeover period, there\u2019s typically double the activity on the premises as the staff gets acquainted with arriving and leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this extra movement and activity can confuse and disorientate seniors with cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer\u2019s. When the brain cannot process all of the additional sensory information in its environment, it leads to emotions of anger, resentment, and disorientation in affected individuals. As a result of sundowning syndrome, many care facilities decided to change their policies on shift change times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other facilities that notice seniors with adverse reactions to this time of day may employ caregivers around the changeover period to reduce anxiety <\/a>in patients.
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10. Too Much Screen Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets emit spectrums of blue and white light that play havoc with the body\u2019s circadian rhythms. People who develop anxiety around the change of lighting during the end of the day may want to reduce their use of mobile devices during the last two hours before sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who stare at screens, absorb the blue and white light from the device. This light source tricks the brain into thinking that the sun is shining. As a result, many people find it hard to wind down after staring at their phone’s screen before bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid all contact with a TV screen or mobile device for the last few hours of the day, and try to minimize any activity during this period. All visitors should get their visit during the day, and leave before mid-afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce light sources in the bedroom to promote better sleep hygiene<\/a> and provide the brain with a relaxing environment to rest.
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11. Dementia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with cognitive <\/a>decline in seniors and adults. Cognitive skills relate to thinking and memory, and most people are under the mistaken belief that these functions decline naturally with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the truth is that cognitive diseases such as dementia are often hereditary conditions passed down through the generations from parents to children. Seniors who have dementia forget minor details, such as where they place their car keys. However, if left untreated and unmanaged, dementia can progress into a disabling mental health disorder that leaves the person a shell of their former self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease accounts for 60 to 80-percent of dementia cases in seniors, with vascular dementia, (which occurs after experiencing a stroke,) being the second most prevalent form of the condition. It\u2019s important to note that dementia is a chronic condition with no cure. Doctors treat dementia using therapy drugs designed to slow the progression of the disease.
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12. Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s <\/a>disease is the most prevalent form of dementia in seniors. Developing this condition is not a natural part of aging, and the group with the highest risk of developing the disease are seniors over the age of 65-years old. The disease affects both men and women, with approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65-experiencing early onset of Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s is a progressive disease, and seniors may note that early symptoms include an increase in forgetfulness and attention. When the condition reaches its peak, affected individuals can no longer care for themselves and rely entirely on assisted care to ensure they live out the rest of their lives without any serious problems occurring due to their decline in mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in America, with the average person living for 6 to 8-years after their initial diagnosis of the disease, in rare circumstances, affected individuals can live as long as 20-years with the right assisted care program.
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13. Seasonal Affective Disorder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Also known as SAD – seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression <\/a>related to changes in the seasons. For affected individuals, the symptoms of SADF show up at the same time each year. Most people affected by this condition experience a general sense of unwellness, anxiety, and depression as the seasons start to shift into the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decline in light hours may have something to do with SAD symptoms appearing. However, medical professionals are at a loss to explain the exact cause of the condition. SAD creates signs of moodiness and fatigue, and it feels like the lack of summer sun drains your energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

some health professionals brush off the effects of SAD, stating that it\u2019s a non-life-threatening condition that people can write off to the \u201cwinter blues.\u201d However, SAD is a severe concern for depressed individuals and may exacerbate symptoms of negative thoughts and emotions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seniors experiencing SAD may feel additional symptoms of anxiety and depression around the sunset hours of the day.
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14. Lack of Emotional Control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For most of us, the sunset is a special time of day. The chaos of the daylight hours melts into magical colors of red, orange, and purple to form a majestic view as the light disappears around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, for those individuals affected by sundowning syndrome, it\u2019s a terrifying experience that they have to relive every 245-hours. The onset of darkness triggers many adverse behaviors and emotions in people who have dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Affected individuals begin to feel anxious as the light slips away, and they often go through a period of confusion that leaves them unable to understand where they are or how they got there in the first place. This lack of emotional control leaves them feeling helpless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seniors who are living with sundowning syndrome <\/a>may require special attention around this time of the day to soothe their anxiety and ease them into the nighttime hours.
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15. Improper Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease are progressive conditions for which there is no cure. As the disease advances, affected individuals lose more and more of their cognitive capabilities over time. However, some medications may help slow the progression of the disease and give seniors an extension on their mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Efforts to find a cure or efficient drug protocol for dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s still eludes researchers. However, some of the existing medications offer temporary solutions that are reasonably effective. Unfortunately, while some of the drugs are effective at extending the lifespan of cognitive abilities, they also come with a host of side-effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of the compounds used to treat dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s create liver toxicity, reducing liver function. This side-effect of the medication <\/a>is of extreme concern for seniors, especially those with liver disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, doctors may prescribe certain drugs that increase symptoms of sundowning syndrome. If you or your loved one is using any medication and begins to experience the signs of this condition, speak to your doctor to change your meds.
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