Tips for Sundowning

SDianeL

I see many posts about sundowning but not tips to prevent the behaviors associated with it. I saw this today and thought it might help someone.

Chance Rider

Thanks, @SDianeL, this is very helpful. We’re not “there” yet but going to print this out as a reminder.

blacksparky

Great information. Thank you

Jeff H

The no caffeine is what worked for me. I switched my DW from diet Pepsi to caffeine-free diet Pepsi. That made all the difference. My DW was hooked on diet Pepsi, but when I switched to caffeine-free diet Pepsi she didn't notice. #3 is great too.

Thank you SDianeL for this post.

persevere

This is very good Diane. I already do many of these but this is good reinforcement.

jgreen

Thank you, @SDianeL

djr5958

Thank you for this. It's very informative.

Groovy's Girl

I don't really know if what's happening at our house is sundowning…some nights, he lays right down and sleeps all night. Some nights, he sits on his side of the bed forever and gets up, walks around the house, comes back and sits down, gets up and looks out the windows, sits back down and plays with his rings, smooths the sheets, smooths the pillow case. …and ….repeat. No matter how many times I ask him to lie down….doesn't matter. He'll lie down when he wants to. Last night, I fell asleep sometime around 11 and I'm pretty sure he didn't lie down until 1:15. We have a routine and a set bedtime, no caffeine, and no rhyme or reason for the nights he sleeps and the nights he doesn't.

blacksparky

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/271317#Comment_271317

I do believe I have the female version of your DH. Everything you described is my DW to a tee. Right when I think I have this thing figured out, I am thrown for a loop.Im just glad I have this forum to vent.

Jeff H

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/271317#Comment_271317

Has your DH been prescribed any sleep aids? My DW has been prescribed Trazodone for sleep at 100mg. I give it to her about an hour before bedtime. After about an hour of the fidgeting, she then sleeps soundly through the night.

mwoolley

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75908/tips-for-sundowning

Thanks for posting that! I am printing it out and will tape it up in my kitchen for reference. Very helpful!

trottingalong

That was a wonderful and informative post.

bntconley

I had no idea sundowning was a thing. My DH was just diagnosed earlier this week with Early Onset at 48, The doctors never asked about this behavior but he has done this for about the last 8-9 months and it drove me crazy. Makes much more sense now.