I don't think anyone has mentioned medication yet.... If you go that route it is important that you have a doctor who is experienced with sundowning and is willing to work with you to find something that works, because what helps one may not help someone else.
Poppie, finding activities to transition between late afternoon and evening can help. As already suggested, music is good therapy. You might make it a habit every afternoon to put on Mom's favorite CDs, or if you have cable and it has no commercial music channels, evaluate them to see if any have music she likes.
Making sure she's not alone as evening approaches can also help.
Think of other relaxing activities, and/or plan something with the family for post dinner. Add some turkey to dinner if you can; it helps induce sleep.
Poppie: So many articles on Sundowners right here on aging care; In the search icon, enter "Sundowners".
Excerpted from an article by Marlo Sarllitto: "Approach your loved one in a calm manner. Don’t yell, raise your voice or touch them in an unexpected way. Avoid rationalizing, arguing or asking for explanations to statements that don’t make sense. Draw the curtains so they cannot see the sky change from light to dark. Turn on inside lights to keep the environment well-lit and to minimize shadows and improve visibility. Provide a peaceful setting. Guide the person to an area away from noise, family activity and other distractions. Try to prevent excessive commotion during the times they normally become more agitated. Plan more activities during the day. A person who rests most of the day is likely to be more awake at night. Discourage excessive napping, especially later in the day, and plan activities, such as walks, crafts and visits, to keep your loved one awake and engaged. If your loved one needs something to keep them occupied in the evenings, plan simple and soothing activities. An upbeat movie or TV show or some pet therapy can have a calming effect. If they do not wish to participate, do not argue with them. Have a routine. Maintaining a schedule helps orient patients and alleviates anxiety that may arise during twilight. Even simple tasks like washing up for dinner and putting on pajamas can be helpful indicators that the day is winding down. Use music. Sometimes soothing music will help to calm and relax a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Ensure their safety by installing locks and safety devices as necessary. Take precautions to provide a safe space for your loved one at night so that you can get some sleep, even if they need to stay awake and wander. This includes removing or securing potentially dangerous items in areas that they have access to. Change your loved one’s sleeping arrangements. Allow them to sleep in a different bedroom, in a favorite chair or wherever they are most comfortable.Use a nightlight. Keep the room they are in partially lit once they are in bed to reduce agitation that occurs when surroundings are dark or unfamiliar. Changes in vision and perception that come with dementia can make poorly lit areas particularly frightening or disorienting.If they are feeling paranoid or experiencing delusions or hallucinations, meet them in their version of reality and reassure them that everything is alright, and everyone is safe. Monitor their diet. Restrict sweets and caffeine consumption to the morning hours and serve dinner early.Seek medical advice. Physical ailments, such as incontinence, could be making it difficult for them to sleep. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also contribute to confusion and agitation. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a medication to help them relax at night and sleep better.Be flexible. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia do not present the same way in each person. For some patients, sundowning may actually occur first thing in the morning. Others may never present these symptoms. It’s up to caregivers to roll with the punches to the best of their abilities.
My Mom would talk about how she worried while I was helping her to bed at night. She knew something was happening to her mind and wondered how she would manage. I reassured her that she would always have the help she needed and did not need to worry as I would take care of her. She lives in my home. Maybe your Mom’s nervousness is her worrying? If talking and reassuring doesn’t help maybe an anti anxiety med could be tried. I’m sorry she is feeling this way. Hugs to her and you.
I don't have an answer, just wanted to say my heart goes out to you. Prayers, too. Be there for her as much as you can and get in touch with her dr. as soon as you can to let them know about her anxiety level. take care be safe
Poppie, finding activities to transition between late afternoon and evening can help. As already suggested, music is good therapy. You might make it a habit every afternoon to put on Mom's favorite CDs, or if you have cable and it has no commercial music channels, evaluate them to see if any have music she likes.
Making sure she's not alone as evening approaches can also help.
Think of other relaxing activities, and/or plan something with the family for post dinner. Add some turkey to dinner if you can; it helps induce sleep.
So many articles on Sundowners right here on aging care;
In the search icon, enter "Sundowners".
Excerpted from an article by Marlo Sarllitto:
"Approach your loved one in a calm manner.
Don’t yell, raise your voice or touch them in an unexpected way.
Avoid rationalizing, arguing or asking for explanations to statements that don’t make sense.
Draw the curtains so they cannot see the sky change from light to dark.
Turn on inside lights to keep the environment well-lit and to minimize shadows and improve visibility.
Provide a peaceful setting.
Guide the person to an area away from noise, family activity and other distractions.
Try to prevent excessive commotion during the times they normally become more agitated.
Plan more activities during the day.
A person who rests most of the day is likely to be more awake at night.
Discourage excessive napping, especially later in the day, and plan activities, such as walks, crafts and visits, to keep your loved one awake and engaged.
If your loved one needs something to keep them occupied in the evenings, plan simple and soothing activities. An upbeat movie or TV show or some pet therapy can have a calming effect. If they do not wish to participate, do not argue with them.
Have a routine. Maintaining a schedule helps orient patients and alleviates anxiety that may arise during twilight. Even simple tasks like washing up for dinner and putting on pajamas can be helpful indicators that the day is winding down.
Use music. Sometimes soothing music will help to calm and relax a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Ensure their safety by installing locks and safety devices as necessary. Take precautions to provide a safe space for your loved one at night so that you can get some sleep, even if they need to stay awake and wander. This includes removing or securing potentially dangerous items in areas that they have access to.
Change your loved one’s sleeping arrangements. Allow them to sleep in a different bedroom, in a favorite chair or wherever they are most comfortable.Use a nightlight. Keep the room they are in partially lit once they are in bed to reduce agitation that occurs when surroundings are dark or unfamiliar.
Changes in vision and perception that come with dementia can make poorly lit areas particularly frightening or disorienting.If they are feeling paranoid or experiencing delusions or hallucinations, meet them in their version of reality and reassure them that everything is alright, and everyone is safe.
Monitor their diet. Restrict sweets and caffeine consumption to the morning hours and serve dinner early.Seek medical advice. Physical ailments, such as incontinence, could be making it difficult for them to sleep.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can also contribute to confusion and agitation.
Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a medication to help them relax at night and sleep better.Be flexible. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia do not present the same way in each person.
For some patients, sundowning may actually occur first thing in the morning. Others may never present these symptoms. It’s up to caregivers to roll with the punches to the best of their abilities.
https://www.agingcare.com/topics/19/sundowners-syndrome
Personally, I haven't had to deal with sundowning, It must be really hard dealing with her anxiety every night. I hope this phase will pass soon.
be safe