Sundowning is one of the more challenging parts of dementia care, especially for families providing support at home. It tends to happen in the late afternoon or evening, just when everyone is winding down for the day. Instead of calm and quiet, loved ones may become more anxious, restless, or confused.
In homes across Austin, we’ve seen how this time of day can affect the whole household. The end of the day should be peaceful, but sundowning can make it feel anything but. By learning what triggers these changes and how to respond, we can bring more calm into our evenings. Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been supporting a loved one for some time, understanding sundowning makes a big difference in how we approach dementia care in Austin and beyond. Comfort Keepers of Austin provides specialized in-home Alzheimer's and dementia care for seniors in Austin and nearby communities, supporting families who are living with memory loss at home.
What Is Sundowning and Why It Happens
Sundowning is a term used to describe a set of behaviors that typically occur in the late afternoon or evening in people with dementia. Common signs include pacing, confusion, irritability, and difficulty settling down.
These behaviors are not random. They tend to happen as the day shifts and the sun starts to set. A few things can cause sundowning to appear more strongly:
• The body’s internal clock may be off, making it harder for someone to feel tired at night
• Extra fatigue from the day can make thinking and mood more fragile
• Dim or changing light may increase confusion and make shadows or shapes harder to process
Here in Austin, winter evenings come earlier. By December, the sun starts setting before dinnertime. That sudden drop in light late in the day can feel jarring, which may make sundowning symptoms more noticeable during the colder months.
How to Spot Sundowning in a Loved One
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a behavior is part of dementia or something tied to a specific time of day. With sundowning, timing matters. You’ll often notice a pattern where restlessness or agitation begins mid-to-late afternoon and carries into the evening.
Some signs to watch for include:
• Increased frustration or mood changes that were not present earlier in the day
• Yelling, pacing, or insisting on leaving the house
• Resisting help with dinner, hygiene, or bedtime
• Seeing or hearing things that may not be there (in more advanced cases)
These behaviors may come and go or shift over time. Some days may feel easier, while others seem more difficult without a clear reason. Learning to spot early patterns helps you respond faster and more gently.
What You Can Do to Ease Sundowning Episodes
Sundowning can be frustrating for both the person experiencing it and the one offering support. But small changes to the late-day routine often help create smoother evenings.
Simple ideas that might offer support include:
• Keeping the afternoon and early evening calm, with fewer visitors or loud noises
• Using soft lighting in the home once the sun begins to set
• Serving dinner a bit earlier to avoid added stress or hunger after dark
• Playing low music or using calming scents like lavender during evening hours
When symptoms appear, staying steady and calm is important, even if things feel tough. Moving slowly, speaking gently, and keeping the surroundings quiet can often make the biggest difference. If possible, avoid arguments and redirect instead. A short walk indoors or a gentle activity might help redirect energy in a positive way.
When to Consider Professional Support
There comes a point when endless evenings of stress begin to wear everyone down. For some caregivers, managing sundowning alone can be overwhelming, especially during busy periods such as the holidays.
It might be time to consider extra support if:
• Safety becomes a concern, such as wandering after dark or aggressive behavior
• You’re missing too much sleep or your own health is affected
• You notice growing dread or emotional exhaustion as evenings approach
Professional caregivers trained in dementia support can help reduce this pressure. Here in Austin, help is available from trusted providers who understand how to respond gently and consistently. Dementia caregivers with Comfort Keepers of Austin receive specialized training in memory care. They can assist with personal care; cognitively stimulating activities such as reminiscing or puzzles, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, safety supervision, and transportation to appointments. Especially in months like December, when nights feel longer and stress can build, having that extra help in the evening may provide relief for the entire household.
Adjusting Evening Routines in Austin's Winter Season
Winters in Austin don’t usually bring snow or ice, but we do have shorter daylight hours and cooler nights. These changes can still take a toll on seniors living with dementia, particularly when it comes to evening routines.
Here are a few ways to adjust routines to the season:
• Close blinds before dark to reduce shadows and visual stress indoors
• Use warm lamps and avoid harsh overhead lights to make rooms feel stable and calming
• Encourage inside activity before dinner, like a calm craft, sorting activity, or soft conversation
• Avoid late errands or appointments past sundown
While the weather is generally mild, evening temperatures can drop quickly. Dressing someone in comfy, layered clothing and offering warm foods or drinks may feel soothing and help ease the shift from day to night.
Building Better Evenings One Step at a Time
Managing sundowning isn’t always easy. But awareness, patience, and small shifts can turn stressful evenings into something more peaceful. With time, families often find what works best for their unique situation and their loved one’s needs.
By making thoughtful adjustments to evening routines and being open to help when needed, we can bring more calm into the final hours of each day. Late afternoons don’t have to feel tense. With consistency and care, better evenings are within reach.
At Comfort Keepers of Austin, we understand that behavioral changes during the evening hours can feel overwhelming. Families facing sundowning need extra support to maintain everyone's well-being. When caring for someone with memory loss or confusion, having reliable, compassionate assistance makes all the difference. Learn how we support dementia care in Austin, and contact us to discuss your family's needs and ease the challenges of evening care.
By: Our Care Team
