Does Winter Make Sundowning Worse for People with Dementia?


When the clocks roll back and the days start to feel shorter, many caregivers quietly notice the same thing, their loved one with dementia becomes more restless, confused, or anxious as the evening sets in. The change in light, the early sunsets, and the longer nights seem to bring out more agitation and pacing. It’s not just in your head, this late-day confusion has a name: sundowning. And yes, winter can make it worse.

This isn’t another article that just defines what sundowning is. It’s a decision guide, written to help you understand what’s really happening, what’s changing as the nights grow longer, and what actions you can take right now to bring calm back into your home.

1. Why Sundowning Gets Worse When Days Get Shorter

Sundowning is a pattern of agitation, confusion, or pacing that starts late in the afternoon and continues into the night. But the real issue in winter is light or the lack of it.

Here’s what changes:

  • Less sunlight exposure during the day weakens the body’s natural sleep–wake cycle.
  • Early sunsets create longer shadows and confusion about time.
  • Colder weather limits outdoor activity, reducing stimulation and natural light.
  • Dim indoor lighting can distort shapes and make familiar spaces feel unsafe.

Decision point: If your loved one’s evening confusion gets worse each winter, it’s time to adjust both light and routine not just medication or mood support.

2. What Caregivers Can Do Right Now

Let’s make this practical. Below is your winter-ready checklist ,what to start, stop, and keep consistent before the nights get longer.

Keep Days Bright

  • Open curtains by 8 AM.
  • Sit near windows for meals or reading.
  • If sunlight is limited, use bright, warm LED or light-therapy lamps in the morning.

Protect Their Routine

  • Keep wake-up, meals, and bedtime the same every day.
  • Schedule physical activity or light chores before 2 PM.
  • Avoid long afternoon naps, they confuse the body clock.

Create a Calm Evening

  • Turn lights on before it gets dark to prevent sudden lighting changes.
  • Play soft music or use a familiar scent like lavender to signal “it’s time to relax.”
  • Avoid caffeine, sugary snacks, or loud TV shows after dinner.

Double-Check Comfort and Needs

Sometimes “sundowning” is really discomfort in disguise:

  • Hunger, thirst, pain, or needing the bathroom.
  • Too warm or too cold, especially as temperatures drop.
  • Poor vision or hearing making shadows feel threatening.

Decision point: Before assuming sundowning, check these basics first. They often solve half the problem.

3. When It’s Time to Get Help

If you’ve done all the above and the evenings still feel like a battle, you’re not failing, it’s time to reassess the support system.

Options worth considering:

  • Respite care – a trained caregiver steps in for a few hours or days so you can rest.
  • Overnight care – someone awake to ensure safety during those restless hours.
  • Professional advice – doctors or dementia specialists may recommend light therapy or structured routines that fit your loved one’s rhythm.

Decision point: If you’re losing sleep, feeling anxious at sunset, or afraid to leave your loved one alone at night, it’s time for added help, not just endurance.

4. Key Takeaways

Caregiver DecisionWhy It MattersWhat To Do
Adjust lightingLonger nights trigger confusionAdd bright light in the morning, warm light in the evening
Protect routinePredictability reduces agitationKeep consistent times for meals, rest, and bedtime
Stay calm after darkSudden changes heighten anxietySoften noise, scents, and lighting
Seek help earlyYou can’t do it alone foreverExplore respite or overnight care

Winter doesn’t cause sundowning but it often makes it worse. When the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, the sudden drop in light can confuse someone already struggling to tell time and place. Shadows deepen, routines shift, and what used to feel familiar can suddenly feel uncertain. But this isn’t something you just have to live with. Small changes like brightening the mornings, keeping routines steady, and softening the evenings can make a real difference. The goal isn’t to fight the season; it’s to create calm within it. Because when you adjust the light and rhythm around your loved one, you help bring back a sense of comfort for both of you.

📞 For families seeking caregiving support/services: Our compassionate caregivers are here to help. Call us at (647) 771.2273.