'Curtains' rule to help anyone with dementia - full list of 6 steps at bedtime

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The charity Dementia UK has issued guidance for people over what to do to support people at bedtime, which can be a challenging part of the day

One of the UK’s leading dementia organisations has issued a message on bedtime that includes guidance on when to close the curtains. Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nursing charity whose nurses - known as Admiral Nurses - offer advice and support to anyone affected by dementia.

This week, the organisation published a checklist aimed to help people with dementia when it comes to bedtime. The charity said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that “sleep difficulties are common in people with dementia. “A calm, familiar bedtime routine can help. We've created this checklist to help get you started.”

Their advice then listed 6 things to tick off at bedtime each day - with one of these being about curtains. It recommended drawing the curtains and turning on the lights before dusk.

Today, that moment, which will require you to put lights on outside, is set to be at approximately 4.50pm.

The organisation says there are a number of issues that can cause sleep disruption for someone with dementia. This can include a reduction in the sleep hormone melatonin, excess sleep during the day, pain and the side-effects of medication. It can also include disturbance to the body clock and confusion at bedtime, which is often called sundowning.

But it says establishing good habits at bedtime and during the day can help people with dementia to sleep better.

People with dementia can become more confused and anxious in the evening. They may wrongly think they need to collect the children from school, or believe they need to go home - despite already being at home. Dementia UK says they may argue, shout or try to leave the home.

The Alzheimer’s Association says sundowning may occur due to changes in the brain and progression of the disease. It says it can lead to agitation, hallucinations, pacing, anxiety and disorientation.

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