Sundowners and Sleepless Nights

Click this link to read an article on dementia and sundowners from the NY Times

I thought I'd share this article today as I spent last night awake, waiting to hear grandfather tumble out of bed, fall on his way to the bathroom or destroy the kitchen.

One of my best friends came over for dinner last night - and in the middle of dinner I found my dear elderly grandfather had gotten out of bed, removed all his clothing (including diaper) and was sitting in his recliner. He was totally at ease, absolutely naked and happily watching some French movie.

After my friend left my mother got him back in bed (I have no desire to deal with my grandfather when he is naked, there are limits), life returned to 'normal' but I could not sleep. Every random noise, no matter how small, had me running to his bedroom to make sure he was still under the covers, clothed, and sleeping. I would tell myself that whatever I'd heard could NOT possibly be him, but I felt compelled to get out of bed and check anyway. Ridiculous.

Today I'm the tired and cranky one while he is relaxed and happy, eyes bright and wide open. I can't see straight and he's throwing back pudding cups.

I should add that there is a baby monitor in his room, an excellent monitor. The problem is that he can maneuver out of bed (a bed with a bed rail I also should add) without making a sound. That's right, a 93 year old man who has not gone to the bathroom alone in weeks and who can barely stand, can, in the night, crawl noiselessly out of his bed, stand up on his own, remove his clothing, cross his room to a chair and plop down. From 4am - 4pm he is helpless and week and tired, from 4pm - 4am he is SuperMan.

Thanks sundowners!