As the day winds down, many families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia notice a sudden shift.
Someone who seemed calm in the morning may become restless, confused, anxious, or even agitated by evening. Questions may repeat more often. Pacing might begin. Sleep becomes unpredictable. Familiar surroundings may suddenly feel unfamiliar.
This change in behavior is often called sundowning, and it’s one of the most stressful parts of memory care for families trying to keep a loved one safe at home.
Understanding why nights get harder can help you respond with more confidence and reduce the risk of overnight wandering, falls, or distress.
Sundowning refers to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that occur later in the day, typically in the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime.
Common signs include:
Evening hours can be especially challenging for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia due to several overlapping factors.
By the end of the day, mental and physical exhaustion can make it harder for someone with memory loss to process information. This can lead to increased confusion, irritability, or fear.
As daylight fades, shadows may create visual confusion or misinterpretation of surroundings. Someone with dementia may feel unsure about where they are or believe something is wrong.
Dementia can affect the brain’s sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to distinguish between day and night. This can result in nighttime wakefulness or agitation.
Evenings are often quieter. Without consistent routines or familiar cues, confusion can increase.
When confusion and agitation increase at night, it can raise the risk of:
This is often when support like overnight care or 24/7 in-home supervision becomes essential, not just for comfort, but for safety.
While sundowning cannot always be prevented, the right support can reduce stress and improve nighttime safety.
Helpful strategies include:
At BrightStar Care, trained caregivers understand how to respond calmly to confusion or agitation while supporting safe nighttime routines at home.
If sundowning begins to interfere with sleep, increase fall risk, or create wandering concerns, it may be time to explore additional in-home support.
Overnight or around-the-clock care can:
If evenings have become more unpredictable or stressful due to memory loss, you don’t have to manage it alone.
BrightStar Care offers in-home Alzheimer’s and dementia care designed to support routines, reduce anxiety, and improve safety day and night. Our trained caregivers can help manage sundowning behaviors with calm reassurance and consistent support.
If you or a loved one is ready to explore overnight or 24/7 memory care services, we’re here to help. Contact BrightStar Care of Central Milwaukee at 414-944-0280 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the services we offer. Our address is 10425 W North Ave #246, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
Someone who seemed calm in the morning may become restless, confused, anxious, or even agitated by evening. Questions may repeat more often. Pacing might begin. Sleep becomes unpredictable. Familiar surroundings may suddenly feel unfamiliar.
This change in behavior is often called sundowning, and it’s one of the most stressful parts of memory care for families trying to keep a loved one safe at home.
Understanding why nights get harder can help you respond with more confidence and reduce the risk of overnight wandering, falls, or distress.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning refers to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral changes that occur later in the day, typically in the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime.Common signs include:
- Restlessness or pacing
- Anxiety or irritability
- Repeating questions
- Confusion about time or place
- Difficulty recognizing familiar people
- Trouble sleeping or frequent nighttime waking
- Attempts to leave the home or wander
Why Do Dementia Symptoms Get Worse at Night?
Evening hours can be especially challenging for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia due to several overlapping factors.
Fatigue Builds Up Throughout the Day
By the end of the day, mental and physical exhaustion can make it harder for someone with memory loss to process information. This can lead to increased confusion, irritability, or fear.
Changes in Light and Shadows
As daylight fades, shadows may create visual confusion or misinterpretation of surroundings. Someone with dementia may feel unsure about where they are or believe something is wrong.
Disrupted Internal Clock
Dementia can affect the brain’s sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to distinguish between day and night. This can result in nighttime wakefulness or agitation.
Reduced Stimulation or Structure
Evenings are often quieter. Without consistent routines or familiar cues, confusion can increase.
Sundowning Can Create Safety Risks at Home
When confusion and agitation increase at night, it can raise the risk of:
- Falls while walking in low lighting
- Wandering outside
- Difficulty finding the bathroom
- Missed medications
- Interrupted sleep for both the client and family caregiver
This is often when support like overnight care or 24/7 in-home supervision becomes essential, not just for comfort, but for safety.
What Helps Manage Sundowning at Home?
While sundowning cannot always be prevented, the right support can reduce stress and improve nighttime safety.Helpful strategies include:
- Keeping a consistent daily routine
- Increasing lighting in the evening
- Limiting caffeine late in the day
- Providing calming activities before bedtime
- Using familiar objects or cues for reassurance
- Having supervision available overnight
At BrightStar Care, trained caregivers understand how to respond calmly to confusion or agitation while supporting safe nighttime routines at home.
When to Consider Overnight or 24/7 Memory Care
If sundowning begins to interfere with sleep, increase fall risk, or create wandering concerns, it may be time to explore additional in-home support.Overnight or around-the-clock care can:
- Provide supervision during nighttime waking
- Reduce wandering risk
- Assist with toileting safely
- Support medication schedules
- Help families rest without constant worry
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is sundowning in dementia?
Sundowning is a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening in people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.2. Why do dementia symptoms get worse at night?
Dementia can disrupt the brain’s sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to distinguish day from night. Fatigue, reduced lighting, and changes in routine can also increase confusion or anxiety.3. How can families manage sundowning at home?
Keeping routines consistent, improving lighting, limiting caffeine, and providing calm reassurance can help. Overnight or 24/7 in-home care may also reduce safety risks and support better sleep.
Contact BrightStar Care for Memory Care at Home
If evenings have become more unpredictable or stressful due to memory loss, you don’t have to manage it alone.BrightStar Care offers in-home Alzheimer’s and dementia care designed to support routines, reduce anxiety, and improve safety day and night. Our trained caregivers can help manage sundowning behaviors with calm reassurance and consistent support.
If you or a loved one is ready to explore overnight or 24/7 memory care services, we’re here to help. Contact BrightStar Care of Central Milwaukee at 414-944-0280 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the services we offer. Our address is 10425 W North Ave #246, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.