Ever feel like your brain just powers down as the day wears on? If late afternoons bring confusion, exhaustion, or deep sadness, you might be experiencing sundowning — a common but misunderstood Alzheimer's symptom.
In this deeply relatable episode, Janna and Larry unpack what sundowning really feels like, how it affects your sense of self, and what practical habits can ease its weight. From strategic napping to rethinking social timing, this conversation offers gentle, real-world ways to manage the fog and reclaim peace of mind.
You'll discover:
Whether you’re living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who is, this episode delivers clarity, empathy, and encouragement — straight from someone who truly gets it.
• Why sundowning happens and how it impacts your brain and body
• The surprising power of naps, daylight, and sleep tracking
• Ways to adjust your schedule to match your best energy windows
• How self-talk and acceptance can help shift your mindset on hard days
Here are a few website Links to studies related to Sundowning and the Alzheimer’s Thriver need for more sleep as time goes on:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/is-it-typical-people-dementia-sleep-lot-during-day
https://www.bu.edu/alzresearch/files/pdf/VolicerSundowningandAD20012.pdf
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230728113414.htm
Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.
