It often starts as something small. Maybe your mom gets more irritated at night. Maybe your dad starts pacing the house as the sun begins to set. At first, it might not seem like much — just a rough evening or a bad day. But then it happens again. And again.
For many families, this is how sundowning begins.
At Carefield at Artesian of Ojai, we talk with many adult children who notice these shifts but aren’t sure what they mean. That’s why knowing the early signs of sundowning is so important. It allows you to spot patterns, reduce stress, and make evenings feel calmer — before managing things get more complicated.
What Are the Early Signs of Sundowning?
Sundowning tends to occur late afternoon, evening, or nighttime. It may start small, but over time, you might notice a pattern.
Here are some common early signs:
- Restlessness
Your loved one may start pacing, fidgeting, or getting up and down often. They might say they “need to go” somewhere but not explain where. - Mood Shifts
You might notice increased irritability, anxiety, or sudden sadness that wasn’t there earlier in the day. They may seem more sensitive or more easily upset. - Repeating Questions or Thoughts
Repetitive phrases, questions, or actions can start to increase in the evening — especially around topics like going home or seeing someone who’s not there. - Shadowing
They may follow you around closely or become anxious if they can’t see you. This can come from feeling unsafe or confused about their surroundings. - Trouble Winding Down
Even if they seem tired, falling asleep can become difficult. You might see more tossing and turning or hear them get up at night.
If you’re seeing one or more of these changes regularly in the late part of the day, it could be early-stage sundowning — especially for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or age-related memory loss.
What Might Be Triggering These Changes?
There’s no single cause. But a few things may be contributing:
- Fatigue from a full day of stimulation
- Too much or too little activity
- Disruption in the body’s internal clock
- Dehydration or missed meals
- Lighting changes as the sun goes down
Some days may be better than others, and what seems to work one evening might not the next. Unpredictability is one of the hardest parts of dementia care.
What You Can Do at Home
If you’re supporting someone at home who may be sundowning, here are a few things you can try that are simple — and often helpful:
- Keep things consistent: Routines help ease confusion.
- Limit daytime naps: This can improve nighttime sleep.
- Adjust lighting in the evening: Softer lights with fewer shadows tend to calm things down.
- Offer light snacks and hydration: Sometimes, the fix is as basic as water or food.
- Play soft music or do a calming activity: Folding towels, looking at photo albums, or sitting with a pet can bring quiet comfort.
The most important thing is to stay calm. Your calm tone and slow movements can make a big difference even when your loved one feels agitated.
How Memory Care Can Help
At Carefield at Artesian of Ojai, we plan for sundowning every day. Our memory care team knows how late-day behavior shifts can affect residents — and how to create an environment that helps reduce stress.
Here’s how we support those who show signs of sundowning:
- Quiet, structured evening routines
- Comfort-focused activities
- Safe walking areas for residents who need to move
- Soft lighting in shared spaces and private rooms
- Team members are trained to respond early and gently
Sometimes, families reach a point where managing these changes alone is no longer safe — or possible. That’s when memory care can offer real relief, both for the person living with dementia and for their loved ones.
You Don’t Have to Guess What’s Normal
If your parent or spouse changes behavior as the day goes on, and you’re not sure if it’s sundowning or something else — that’s okay. It’s normal to have questions. You don’t need to figure it out on your own.
We welcome families in Ojai and across Ventura County who notice new patterns and wonder what to do next. Whether you’re ready to look into memory care now or just want to learn more, we’re here to support your next step—whatever that looks like for you.
