The sunset syndrome, or also known as sundowning in English, is a phenomenon that usually affects people with dementia, especially at the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the night, that is, the sunset. During this time slot, there are people with dementia who can present different symptoms such as confusion, increased nervousness or agitation, anxiety and irritability.
The exact causes of sunset syndrome are uncertain. It may be related to the circadian rhythms of the body, as well as other factors such as the accumulated exhaustion during the day, fatigue and lack of rest, as well as the decrease in natural light. Sundowner syndrome doesn’t just affect people with dementia, however: it can also affect people with seasonal depression.
During the autumn and winter months there are hours of less light, and this can be related to a feeling of sadness, anxiety and irritability. We all know that ‘spring alters blood’, and it is not for less: in spring the days begin to lengthen and it is more likely that we will receive more direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight regulates the body’s circadian rhythms, essential for regulating serotonin, a key mood hormone. In addition, sunlight stimulates vitamin D.
