Steps To Reduce Elderly Anxiety at Night

Your elderly loved one does well by themselves during the day. They are able to take care of themselves and do the daily tasks that come with living alone. Your older adult may have the confidence needed to assure the family that they are capable of maintaining their independence. Suddenly, you and other family members notice a change in your senior loved one's behavior and attitude usually toward the close of the day. As the evening hours approach, some seniors may experience some anxiety associated with the setting of the sun. Becoming aggressive, yelling at others or being confused could indicate that your senior loved one may have Sundown Syndrome.

Sundowning Is A Real Ailment

When behavioral and mental changes affect your senior loved one in the evening hours it is called sundowning. Aggression and confusion could be devastating to family members and caregivers because they are not aware of the reasons for such drastic changes at the end of the day only. When your senior loved one experiences this anxiety at night, it becomes difficult for them to sleep. They are usually up all night trying to manage the feelings that they are having. There is no known specific cause for the sundown syndrome, but the results of it will cause major concerns for family and caregivers.

Sign of Sundowning Anxiety

When your senior loved one goes through periods of unexplained anxiety, it could result in other health issues. The confusion and aggression, or yelling, are only some of the signs that all is not well for the older adult. Other signs of this night time anxiety include pacing back and forth, ignoring others when they give a direction or speak in general, and they may wander. It is known that these symptoms of anxiety can be triggered by discomfort, pain, thirst, and hunger. Sundowning will worsen as the senior gets older.

Some Tips for Reducing Anxiety at Night for Your Senior

Addison home care has some useful tips to help reduce the anxiety that your senior loved one experiences at night, first talk to their doctor about what is going on with them. The next thing to do is to try limiting their intake of caffeine or alcohol if they drink. Set a sleep schedule for your loved one, and do not allow them to take naps during the day. Exercising about 4 hours before bedtime will get your loved one ready to relax, and sleep soundly.

Home Care Addison further suggests removing the clock from their bedroom. A person who has night time issues will generally watch the clock all night. Go for walks with your senior loved one to help tire them so that they can sleep. Changing the diet of your senior loved one will also help reduce anxiety. Opt for a healthy diet without preservative, and unwanted sugars and carbohydrates. Getting the system free of toxins that could be in foods will help greatly. Do not wait to get this situation under control. It is more beneficial for your older adult to be able to rest at night