Hey there, kiddo! Have you heard of a term called sundowning? No? Let me explain to you in the easiest way possible.
Sometimes, when people get older or have a problem with their brain, they might get confused or agitated in the evening or at night. That’s what we call sundowning. Just like the sun goes down, their mood and behavior can change as well.
Imagine, you are used to going to bed early, and suddenly you are asked to stay up late to finish your homework. Your body might feel tired, and you might not know what you should do. That's how sundowning feels like to people who have it.
Sundowning can happen because of many reasons. People with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other memory problems have trouble understanding what’s happening around them, and they might feel anxious or upset because of the change in routine. Some people also have trouble sleeping at night, which can make them feel cranky and confused during the day.
To help someone who is feeling sundowning, we need to be patient and try to understand what they are feeling. We can create a calm and predictable environment for them, where they feel safe and comfortable. We can turn on soft music, dim the lights, and remove any distractions. It's also essential to maintain a regular routine to avoid confusion.
That's all about sundowning, buddy. Hope you understood it well!