I live two different lives, depending on time of day.

professorsnow · June 6

The first half of my day is almost always good. The second half of my day is almost always bad. Today I got a lot of things done, more than usual, but tonight I pay for it. My brain is tired, and I am extremely agitated. And this is the way it goes everyday.

I know it is called sundowning. It's hard to talk, it's hard to listen, sounds drive me out of my mind, and I get so nervous and agitated. I am not new to Alzheimer's, but this double life is getting worse and worse. My sundowning is getting more serious. Every night I just can't wait to get to bed. Many times that is at 6:00 p.m.. it's just too hard to continue to be awake.

..

Iris L. · June 6

Have you tried taking a nap in the early afternoon? Our brains use sleep to process memories and to remove waste products. Are you getting quality sleep during the night?

Iris

eaglemom · June 7

Might I ask, if you go to bed at 6:00 pm what time do you get up in the morning? Do you go to sleep at 6:00, or lay in bed reading / watching TV, etc? Sleep quality and quantity are very import for your brain health.

Since you realize your sundowning, have you mentioned it to your neurologist? If its something new, or getting worse, as you mention, you might want to make an appointment to discuss it.

I'm glad your here and asking questions, we want to help you.

eagle

James Middleton · July 6

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/69458/i-live-two-different-lives-depending-on-time-of-day

I know just how you feel in the afternoons. About three it begins and by 5:30 I'm almost in a complete panic. The Doc has ordered something called Risperadol for me to take. The insurance is holding it up. Maybe by the first of the week. It is supposed to help with the anxiety in the afternoons. Yeah, it's awful. Wringing hands, rocking back and forth. Music seems to help some.

Iris L. · July 6

James, have you tried alternative therapies for anxiety? Deep breathing, although it sounds simplistic, works for me when I get anxious. You might also look into using aromatherapy with essential oils, it has helped some PWD.

Iris

James Middleton · July 6

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/214911#Comment_214911

Iris, I have not tried alternatives but it is something to consider for sure. I'll check into the aromatherapy. TY

Iris L. · July 6

James, there used to be quite a lot of threads regarding aromatherapy. But they were deleted after the software change. Look for aromatherapy posts by Lane Simonian. There are some essential oils that are calming.

Iris

jackiputnam · July 9

I have the same issue. By late afternoon I feel like noise makes my skin crawl. I just want to be totally left alone, though o live in a multigenerational household of 6. I find it especially hard to hold my tongue with my precious 6 year old grandson. I get angry so fast. I worry it means I’m getting personality changes. It’s 4:10 pm right now and I’ve had a rough day.

James Middleton · July 10

I just started .5mg Risperdal this afternoon to help with the afternoon 'sundowning'. Got me pretty 'buzzy'-no way I could drive on this. I'll let y'all know how it goes with this. May take a few days or weeks to really work well the Doc said. Cheers!

Iris L. · July 10

Try to learn some relaxation techniques, they really helped me.

Iris

I live two different lives, depending on time of day.

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