Dementia is often associated with changes in thinking, memory, reasoning and behavior. Some people with dementia tend to become more confused, irritable and anxious at night. This phenomenon has been described as a sunset.
While sunsetting isn’t a disease, patients can suffer from a range of afflictions symptom:
- Tracking – patients tend to follow caregivers wherever they go
- insomnia or decreased sleep
- pacing or shaking in chairs
- excited and confused
- irritability
- shout or cry
- hallucination
- get lost
- infection or disease
About one in five people with Alzheimer’s disease has sunset syndrome. Some older adults without any dementia may also experience these symptoms.
Increased confusion, confusion and sleep deprivation are frustrating for patients and caregivers alike.Therefore, it is important to understand that factor Helps with sunsets.
- low lighting
- drug side effects
- hunger or thirst
- depressed
- feel bored
- pain
- daytime overstimulation
- sleep cycle disrupted
Tips for Helping Sunset Sufferers
1. Identify the root cause – If symptoms are due to an infection or a side effect of a medication, it can be corrected by discussing it with your healthcare provider.
2. Help them have a healthy daily life – Regular waking and sleeping routines and light exercise during the day may help people reduce symptoms.caregivers can schedule Move patients’ outings, visits, and baths to earlier times of the day so they feel less stressed at night.
3. Help them avoid things that interfere with sleep- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can help fight insomnia. Patients should not eat too much at night, and should limit naps before going to bed.
4. Create a calm environment – Nursing staff can ensure that patients have a comfortable environment. Bringing more light into the room and reducing ambient noise can help patients. Simple steps like playing relaxing music or encouraging them to read or go for a walk can help them stay calm.
5. Know how to react – Nurses need to know how patients should respond when they show more aggression and anxiety. Remaining calm and having reassuring conversations can help calm an agitated patient.
Published by Medicaldaily.com