How to Manage Sleep Problems for Dementia Patients during Sundowning Prabhy Sodhi

1. How to Manage Sleep Problems for Dementia Patients during Sundowning? Prabhy Sodhi

2. Sundowning is a kind of disorder that can occur during dementia. It can develop due to the changes taking place because of dementia. This results in extreme confusion as the sun rises or settles down. When this happens, it is possible that dementia patients may begin to sleep with difficulty. The dementia specialist, PrabhySodhiopines that a poor sleep cycle will only contribute to the worsening of dementia. That is why managing sleep problems during this disorder becomes vital. To do so, certain factors like the environment of the patient should be considered. Accordingly, a strategy to clear these problems should be devised. • Which Factors Cause Sleep Problems during Sundowning? • A dementia patient can find it tough to sleep when stress levels increase during sundowning. This stress can be due to the frustration resulting from this syndrome. Moreover, the changes occurring because of dementia can further add to stress levels. • While stress is one concerning factor, it is not the only reason contributing to sleep issues. One should be aware of the other possible factors too: • Exposure to Exhaustion • Exhaustion during dementia can occur because of the schedule of a patient. Sometimes, it may comprise more activities than required. The nature and number of these activities can make a patient exhausted. The other effects of sundowning can make this exhaustion feel more challenging, explains the dementia specialist, PrabhySodhi. • Effects of the Environment • During dementia and sundowning, the environment of a patient is a crucial factor. It can cause sleep issues as well. This happens when this environment is either new or not favorable for a patient. In both instances, a patient can undergo confusion. Hence, while sleeping, difficulties can be faced.

3. What are the Ways to Manage Sleep Issues in Sundowning? • It is important for a dementia patient to rest. But when sundowning makes it challenging, caregivers should encourage him/her to try resting. The requirements for facilitating a soothing environment to rest should be ensured, advises Mr. Sodhi. • When sleep problems are complex, more measures should be relied on. • Focus on the Schedule as per Alertness • Dementia and sundowning together can make a person less alert. In this state of mind, scheduling activities can be concerning. PrabhySodhi opines that important activities should be scheduled when the person is alert. This will help in the reduction of confusion. In some way, this can assist in managing sleep problems too. • Keep a Fixed Schedule • With dementia patients, it can sometimes be challenging to follow a fixed schedule. But to the extent possible, caregivers should make certain that it is followed. For this purpose, the schedule should comprise essential activities more than additional ones. • Help in Understanding Sunset and Sunrise • Sundowning tends to affect patients with dementia because they are unable to understand the rising or settling down of the sun. When feasible, caregivers should help patients comprehend sunrise as well as sunset. • To do so, Mr. Sodhi advises that spending time in the sunlight is helpful. Moreover, as the sun goes down, patients should be made aware of the same. This awareness may help in contributing positively to the sleep cycle of patients. • Bringing to a Close • According to dementia specialists such as PrabhySodhi, sundowning and sleeping may not go hand in hand. But maintaining a sleep cycle is nevertheless important. Factors that contribute to this problem should be focused on. Once this is ensured, caregivers can implement the required measures and look for improvement in patients.