Easing sundown anxiety

[Dee.MWStudent]

Would the Rest Easy formula benefit those with dementia/alzheimers who experience sundowning (increased in anxiety in the evening)?  Anyone have experience or insight that might help?  Thanks!

[Megan BumpsStudent]

Correct me if I am wrong anyone, but I think your serotonin naturally dips in the evening which might be the cause of the anxiety. I know that there are amino acid supplements you could take (L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP—L-tryptophan converts into 5-HTP and 5-HTP converts into serotonin) that might help. I have taken 5-HTP to help for mood before and did find help from it. There was one night I couldn’t sleep because of obsessive negative thoughts, and I decided to take some 5-HTP. It felt like a wave of water washing away the thoughts, and I was able to go to sleep. I know you aren’t talking about sleep, but I mention it because it’s dealing with negative mood.

Does your husband get enough sunshine during the day? Maybe he needs to be more in tune with his natural circadian rhythm? If he isn’t able to go outside during the day, there are vitamin D lights he could try during the day.

Another thought–How long has he dealt with anxiety with the sun going down? Is there something in his past that caused him anxiety in the evening? Even if the anxiety had not bothered him until recently, something from his past may be popping up now.

You could also try music to help him. Music has a strong influence on the brain, especially if it is familiar/preferred music. Actually familiar music, especially music tied to certain events, can help people with memory loss because of the pathways music creates in the brain. Old favorites might help relieve anxiety, creating a general feeling of nostalgia and comfort.

The scent and taste of vanilla are also soothing since it is the taste (I have read) that is closest to the taste of mother’s milk.

Just some thoughts. I am new to herbalism, but have a BA in Psychology and my mom and brother are bother therapists (I used to work for my mom), so that’s were I am coming from.

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Janet_Doug Cannon

[Dee.MWStudentTopic Author]

Thank you taking time to share your ideas!  This is for a friend – she is being called to the care home at all hours to help soothe her mother and we were brainstorming options.  Much appreciated : )

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Megan’s thought are good. The Rest Easy might be helpful too. The only problem with herbs in rest home folks is that those folks are usually on lots of medications so you’ll need to make sure not to add herbs to the mix without knowing what drugs she’s on and if they’re safe to combine.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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