As darkness approaches, they become irritable and may display obstinate behaviors. A baby nursery monitor in the patient's bedroom will allow you to hear the patient if he or she begins to stir during the night 15. Sundown syndrome can be eased for Alzheimer patients by making certain they receive regular exercise. Frequent walks outdoors in the bright light not only provides exercise, but it also exposes the patient to much needed sunlight. Research has shown that patients sleep better and longer if they receive adequate daily sunlight exposure.
Bright light increases the secretion of melatonin in the brain.
Melatonin regulates the daily rhythms of sleep, body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Melatonin is produced more as darkness approaches and reaches peak production sometime in the early morning hours. Research has also found that many Alzheimer patients have low blood levels of melatonin, so it is even more vital to increase melatonin production by bright light exposure daily. They may think a stranger is in their room. Try to fill the patient's room with photos of people and events that stir up pleasant memories.