Common Reasons People With Dementia Wander at Night

Disruption to the Body Clock

Dementia can interfere with circadian rhythms, the internal body clock that helps regulate sleep and wakefulness. When this system is disrupted, a person may wake during the night believing it is morning or time to begin daily routines.

This confusion often leads to getting out of bed, walking around the home, dressing at inappropriate times or attempting to leave.

 

Sundowning and Evening Agitation

Sundowning describes increased confusion, agitation or anxiety that occurs in the late afternoon and evening. While not everyone with dementia experiences sundowning, it is a significant contributor to night time wandering.

As daylight fades and shadows appear, the environment may feel unfamiliar or threatening. These feelings can continue into the night, making it difficult for someone to settle or remain in bed.

The Alzheimer’s Society explains that sundowning can affect mood, behaviour and perception, particularly in the middle to later stages of dementia.

 

Anxiety, Fear and Disorientation

Night time can be particularly unsettling for a person with dementia. Reduced lighting, unfamiliar sounds and quiet surroundings may increase fear and confusion.

A person may wander in search of reassurance, a familiar face or a place they believe to be safe. In some cases, they may think they need to return to a previous home or carry out a long-established role, such as going to work.

 

Unmet Physical or Emotional Needs

Night time wandering is often a response to unmet needs rather than a purposeful action. These may include:

• Needing the toilet but being unsure where it is
• Hunger or thirst
• Pain, discomfort or feeling unwell
• Feeling lonely, unsafe or unsettled

Because dementia affects communication, movement may become the only way a person can express these needs.

 

Changes in Routine or Environment

People with dementia often rely heavily on familiar routines. Changes such as reduced daytime activity, late afternoon naps or a recent hospital stay can disrupt sleep at night.

Even small changes within the home, such as rearranged furniture or unfamiliar visitors, can increase confusion and contribute to wandering after dark.

 

What Night Time Wandering in Dementia May Look Like

Night time wandering does not always involve leaving the home. It may include:

• Repeatedly getting out of bed
• Walking through rooms or corridors
• Opening doors, cupboards or drawers
• Attempting to dress or undress
• Trying to leave the house

Some people wander calmly, while others appear distressed or agitated. The risks associated with night time wandering include falls, injury, exposure to cold and becoming lost, particularly during the early hours.

 

The Impact of Night time Wandering on Families

For family members, night time wandering is often one of the most exhausting and emotionally challenging aspects of dementia care.

Many relatives sleep lightly or remain awake listening for movement, worried about falls or a loved one leaving the home. Over time, lack of sleep can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing and the ability to provide care safely.

Charities such as Age UK emphasise the importance of recognising when caring responsibilities, particularly overnight, become too demanding without additional support.

 

Why Staying at Home Matters for People With Dementia

Remaining at home can provide comfort, familiarity and a sense of identity for people living with dementia. Familiar surroundings, personal belongings and established routines can reduce anxiety and help maintain independence for longer.

However, staying at home does not remove the risks associated with night time wandering. Without overnight supervision, families may feel unable to manage safely or sustainably.

This is where specialist live in care can provide reassurance and balance.

 

How Live In Dementia Care Can Help With Night time Wandering

Live in or live-in dementia care offers personalised, continuous support within the familiar home environment.

Reassurance and Support Overnight

With a carer present in the home, someone is available to respond promptly if a person wakes or begins to wander. Calm reassurance, gentle conversation and guidance back to bed can help reduce anxiety before distress escalates.

Continuity and Familiarity

People with dementia often respond best to familiar faces. Live in care provides continuity, which can be particularly reassuring at night, reducing agitation and confusion.

Understanding Individual Patterns

Over time, a live in carer develops an understanding of personal routines, triggers and preferences. This insight allows support to be adapted proactively, helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of night time wandering.

Reducing Risk and Improving Safety

Having a carer present overnight significantly reduces the risk of falls, injury or leaving the home. Families gain peace of mind knowing someone is always there to provide support.

 

Practical Ways to Reduce Dementia Wandering at Night

While night time wandering cannot always be prevented, supportive approaches may help reduce its impact.

Establishing a Calm Evening Routine

A predictable evening routine can signal that it is time to wind down. This may include:

• Regular mealtimes
• Gentle activities
• Reduced noise and stimulation
• Clear cues that it is night time

Supporting Comfort and Orientation

Soft lighting, clear pathways to the bathroom and familiar objects in the bedroom can help reduce fear and confusion during the night.

Responding With Compassion

If wandering occurs, responding calmly and without confrontation is important. Arguing or correcting can increase distress. Gentle reassurance and redirection are usually more effective.

 

When to Consider Live In Care for Night time Wandering

If night time wandering becomes frequent, unsafe or overwhelming, it may be time to consider additional support. This does not mean residential care is the only option.

Many families find that live in dementia care allows their loved one to remain at home while receiving consistent support day and night, helping to protect safety, dignity and quality of life.

 

Reassurance for Families

Night time wandering is a recognised part of dementia for many people, and needing support does not mean you have failed. With understanding, patience and the right care in place, it is possible to reduce distress and improve sleep for everyone involved.

Appropriate live in care can offer reassurance, continuity and safety, helping people with dementia feel secure at home, even during the night.

 

Speak to a Live In Care Specialist

If night time wandering is affecting sleep, safety or peace of mind, it may help to talk through your options with an experienced care specialist.

A personalised live in care arrangement can provide overnight reassurance, continuity and support in the familiarity of home, helping reduce anxiety for both the person with dementia and their family.

To discuss whether live in dementia care could be the right next step, contact our care team for a confidential, no obligation conversation. We are here to listen, answer questions and help you explore the most appropriate support for your situation. Call us on 0345 125 8975.