Sundowner’s syndrome occurs in those who are neurologically compromised. The pineal gland seems to have difficulty producing melatonin. The cornea also begins to yellow so the light doesn’t penetrate the eyes as well. The trifecta of low melatonin production, yellowing cornea and neurological difficulty create a perfect storm of distress when the sun goes down.
Set bedtimes, light therapy and melatonin supplements can aid in the treatment of Sundowner’s syndrome.
Circadian Rhythms
Your body has plenty of rhythms— heart rate, disease, brain function, mood and more. If anything gets out of sync, it throws off the sleep cycle.
Tips for Repairing Your Circadian Rhythm
- Live on a set schedule with a specific bedtime and waking time.
- Beware of over-napping.
- Caffeine can be helpful in the mornings but reduce in afternoons and early evenings.
- Melatonin supplementation may help.
- Light therapy recommendations from a sleep specialist has proven effective. Golite from Amazon is less than $100 and works for in-home treatment.
