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Southern20 Asked July 2020

Restlessness, agitation, a need to get out of the house at twilight. What is this?

I’m a Caregiver for my mom, she lives with me and I’m 27 years old and I don’t have dementia or Sundowners syndrome. My question is, I’ve been having this restlessness at home starting at about 6pm most days where it feels like I have to get out of the house even though I’ve just got home too. Restlessness, cabin fever, agitation, anxiety... however you call it, and it’s pretty bad. It happens even if I had just gotten home too so it’s not like I need to actually get out of the house. I get enough social interaction and this feeling ends at 9pm. It’s pretty much everyday and most on Sunday nights. I have been having this type of restlessness for the past 6 months. Has anyone had this and what exactly is this?? I’m trying to understand.

cwillie Jul 2020
It sounds like burnout to me, your home no longer feels like a safe haven.

lealonnie1 Jul 2020
At 27 years old, and having your mother living with you 24/7, is enough to create anxiety in ANYONE. Anxiety can present itself in many odd ways. When I'm feeling anxious, I am hyper-responsive to noise: I jump at the slightest sound. It's known as a heightened startle reflex. You may be responding to stress and anxiety with a feeling of restlessness. Here is a list of symptoms of anxiety/stress:

Depression or anxiety.
Anger, irritability, or restlessness.
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Racing thoughts or constant worry.
Problems with your memory or concentration.
Making bad decisions.


As you can see, restlessness is one of the symptoms. You may feel trapped by taking care of your mother and devoting your young life to such a cause. I don't blame you. Even if you're not feeling that way consciously, you may be feeling it subconsciously, and it can be coming out as restlessness and the need to escape the situation for a few hours a day.

I'm not a doctor, of course, just a person who's lived with anxiety for decades. See your doctor and let him or her know what's happening ok? You may also want to try CBD gummies without THC available on Amazon.com. I find them to be very good for relaxation and creating a sense of calm within me.

Good luck!

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JoAnn29 Jul 2020
Sounds like to me u may have some anxiety. Does Mom live with you? So u come home from work and then it care for Mom. No time to wind down. Then Sunday, OMG I have to start the process all over. And I do think even us normal people have some "sundowning". I know I do. Usually in the Winter. The Sun goes down and so do I. I am not a Summer person but I like those longer days.

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