Many people associate Alzheimer’s with memory loss, but a unknown symptom called sundowning syndrome can lead to intense confusion, anxiety, agitation, and behavioral changes in the late afternoon and evening. This nighttime distress is popular in individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Why Does Sundowning Happen?
Several reasons contribute to sundowning, including:
1. Disrupted Circadian Rhythm
Alzheimer’s disease impacts on the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—the area responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. As a result, the body struggles to know the difference between day and night, leading to sleep disturbances and nighttime confusion.
2. Fatigue & Mental Exhaustion
By evening, the brain has worked hard to process and interpret the day’s events. In Alzheimer’s patients, cognitive fatigue can lead to frustration, confusion, and increased agitation as the day progresses.
3. Low Light & Shadow Perception Issues
As the sun sets, dim lighting and shadows can create hallucinations or paranoia. The brain’s ability to correctly process visual input deteriorates, leading to misinterpretations—such as mistaking shadows for intruders or imagining objects that aren’t there.
4. Hunger, Thirst, or Physical Discomfort
Unmet physical needs—like hunger, dehydration, pain, or needing to use the bathroom—can become more noticeable in the evening. If the person is unable to communicate effectively, frustration and agitation may develop.
5. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications taken during the day may wear off in the evening, leading to increased confusion or agitation. Additionally, some drugs cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can contribute to nighttime restlessness.
6. Sensory Overload or Changes in Routine
A chaotic or overstimulating environment—such as too many visitors, loud noises, or changes in daily schedules—can trigger heightened anxiety and confusion at night.
Signs & Symptoms of Sundowning
- Developed confusion or paranoia (e.g., believing they are in the wrong home)
- Pacing, wandering, or restlessness
- Mood swings, yelling, or aggression
- Hallucinations or misinterpretation of shadows
- Difficulty recognizing caregivers or loved ones
- Refusing to go to bed or insisting they need to “go home”
- Trouble distinguishing between dreams and reality
How to Manage Sundowning Syndrome
1. Maintain a Consistent Routine
- Maintain mealtimes, bedtime, and activities at the same time each day to provide structure.
- Ease naps during the day to encourage better nighttime sleep.
2. Enhance the Sleep Environment
- Apply soft lighting in the evening to ease shadows and hallucinations.
- Maintain nightlights on to prevent disorientation if they wake up.
- Ensure their room is quiet, comfortable, and cool.
3. Support Daytime Activity
- Engage in light exercise or outdoor activities during the day to enhance sleep.
- Avoid overstimulation in the evening (e.g., loud TV, too many visitors).
4. Monitor Diet & Hydration
- Offer a nutritious early dinner and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Provide small snacks and water in the evening to prevent hunger-related agitation.
5. Use Calming Techniques
- Soft music, reading, or gentle touch can help ease anxiety.
- Aromatherapy (lavender, chamomile) may promote relaxation.
6. Address Medical & Medication Issues
- Examine medications with a doctor to ensure they aren’t causing agitation or sleep problems.
- Treat underlying conditions like pain, urinary infections, or constipation, which can worsen sundowning.
Stretch your ring finger with your thumb and hold it for a few seconds. You’ll love the reason!
Do you think it’s potential to get a state of peace and harmony just with our hands? Here, we’ll introduce to you what can happen if you stretch your ring finger with your thumb! You’ll be truly sh0cked!
GYAN MUDRA FOR HEALING (KNOWLEDGE MUDRA):
How to do it:
- Sit in a lotus posture and keep your hand on the knee
- Touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of your index finger
- Leave the other three fingers free, whether straight or close together.
Benefits:
- Refresh your mind and enhance your ability to concentrate.
- Your brain power will be strong and smart.
- Cure insomnia.
- Keep you away from stress and depression.
VAYU MUDRA (AIR MUDRA):
How to do it:
- Bend your index finger toward your palm
- Press down with the base of your thumb.
- Maintain the rest of your three fingers extended as much as possible.
Benefits:
- Get rid of excess gas from your body.
- Ease many problems such as: flatulence, constipation, cervical spondylitis, arthritis, etc.
PRITHVI MUDRA FOR HEALING (EARTH MUDRA):
How to do it:
- Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb
- Press the two fingers together, leaving the other fingers spread apart.
Benefits:
- Handle the Earth element in your body.
- Enhances your body weight, bl00d circulation, digestion and problems related with vitamin deficiency .
AGNI MUDRA (FIRE MUDRA):
How to do it:
- Close your ring finger toward your palm and press the second phalanx with the base of your thumb.
- Keep the rest of your fingers extended.
Benefits :
- Decrease cholesterol levels in your body, reduce fat, enhance your metabolism and improve the entire immune system.
JAL MUDRA (VARUNA MUDRA / WATER MUDRA):
How to do it:
- Simply touch your little finger to the tip of your thumb and press down!
- Keep the rest of your fingers straight. The preferred position is to sit cross-legged.
Benefits:
- Enhances your blood circulation and weakens various types of body pain.
- Brings back taste sensations and eases dry mouth.
SHUNYA MUDRA (MUDRA OF EMPTYNESS):
How to do it:
- The first phalanx of your middle finger should be pressed against the base of your thumb.
Benefits:
- Be useful in cases of ENT problems (ear, nose, tongue), vertigo and motion sickness.
PRANA HEALING (MUDRA OF LIFE):
How to do it:
- Bend your little finger and ring finger
- Touch these two fingers with the tip of your thumb.
Benefits:
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- Feel much more strong and boost the body’s immunity.
- Avoid fatigue.
