Light therapy

Bright lights in my home has greatly reduced my DW sundowning. I leave most lights on throughout the day and into the late afternoon. I use LED lightbulbs.

Here is what Grok A.I. says:

Increasing lights in the home—particularly brighter light exposure during the day—can often help reduce or manage sundowning symptoms in people with dementia.
Sundowning (also called sundowners syndrome) refers to increased confusion, agitation, restlessness, or irritability that typically worsens in the late afternoon and evening. It's common in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, largely linked to disrupted circadian rhythms (the body's internal clock).
Research and expert recommendations show that insufficient light during the day contributes to these disruptions, while brighter light exposure (especially in the morning or daytime) helps by:
Resetting the circadian rhythm to promote better daytime alertness and nighttime sleep.
Reducing evening agitation, confusion, and behavioral symptoms.
Improving overall mood, sleep quality, and daily functioning.
Studies (including reviews from sources like the Alzheimer's Association, Mayo Clinic, and NIH/PubMed articles) support this:
Daytime bright light (natural sunlight or artificial bright light therapy, often 1000+ lux) has been linked to less severe sundowning, better sleep, and reduced agitation.
Morning exposure to bright light is particularly effective for resynchronizing the sleep-wake cycle.
Inadequate indoor light (common in homes or care settings) worsens symptoms, while correcting it can alleviate them.
Practical ways to add more light at home include:
Maximizing natural daylight — open curtains, encourage time near windows, or short outdoor time (even 10–30 minutes in the morning).
Using brighter indoor lighting — switch to full-spectrum or cooler-toned bulbs (higher Kelvin for daytime mimicry), add multiple light sources to eliminate shadows, or consider light therapy boxes/lamps for targeted exposure.
In the evening, gradually dim lights and shift to warmer tones to signal "wind-down" time without abrupt darkness.
Avoid over-bright lights at night, as that could worsen sleep.
Results vary by individual (e.g., dementia stage, consistency of exposure), and some studies show mixed or limited effects from constant ambient bright light. However, the overall evidence trends positive for daytime bright light as a safe, non-drug approach.
If sundowning is severe, consult a doctor to rule out other causes (like pain, medications, or infections) and discuss personalized strategies, possibly including light therapy under guidance.

https://theenergyblueprint.com/red-light-therapy-book-2/ I would recommend this book before purchasing a device. The research backs red light therapy for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.