As we age, our brain undergoes various changes that may affect our sleep patterns and behavior, particularly in the evening. A common condition known as "sundowning" or evening agitation tends to impact seniors. It's characterized by increased restlessness, confusion, and anxiety as the day progresses. Understanding and managing this condition can make the twilight hours less strenuous for seniors and their caregivers.
What Is Evening Agitation in Seniors?
Often termed sundowning, evening agitation is more than a temperamental mood swing. It is a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of the day, worsening as the sun goes down. These symptoms include increased confusion, anxiety, restlessness, and even aggressive behavior. Understanding the root cause of these symptoms can help you develop strategies for managing them.
Create a Calming Evening Routine
Establishing a peaceful evening routine can help manage evening senior agitation. Routines give seniors a sense of security and familiarity, as changes in environment or schedule can trigger agitation.
Serve dinner early to prevent late-night digestion problems that can disrupt sleep. Consider serving dinner two to three hours before bedtime. Eating earlier promotes better sleep quality by allowing time for digestion.
Limit the intake of caffeine and refined sugars. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and can disrupt sleep patterns if consumed too close to bedtime. Sugar can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and difficulty falling asleep.
Doing a gentle physical activity like a short walk post-dinner helps seniors unwind and prepare their bodies for sleep. It’s also great for alleviating any post-meal discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider before introducing seniors to a new physical activity.
Manage Their Environment
The environment around a senior can help manage their agitation. A comfortable, familiar environment reduces anxiety and stress. Keep the home well-lit in the evening to avoid shadows contributing to confusion or fear. Reducing background noise and clutter can minimize distractions and create a tranquil environment. Also, maintain a comfortable room temperature to ensure seniors don't feel too cold or too hot, feelings that can lead to agitation.
Do Some Soothing Activities
Incorporating calming activities into the evening routine can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Seniors might enjoy listening to gentle music. Consider playing their favorite tunes from the past to calm their minds. Reading familiar books or sharing stories can be comforting and promote a feeling of safety. Techniques like gentle massage or aromatherapy can also help relax the body and mind.
Get Support From Senior Helpers Cherry Hill
Managing evening agitation can be challenging for family members who might already be overwhelmed with other responsibilities. With the right strategies, you can restore the tranquility of the twilight hours for everyone involved.
If you reside in Haddonfield, Maple Shade, Voorhees, Swedesboro, or Pennsauken and need professional in-home care for a senior loved one, contact Senior Helpers Cherry Hill. We provide in-home senior care solutions, including companionship, personal care, assistance with daily living activities, and more. We tailor our services to the unique needs of the seniors in our care, helping them stay independent in their golden years. Contact us today for more information!