Browse Medications by Everyday Health Concerns: Confusion at night
Written by Amar Lunagaria
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Reviewed by James Wong
Pharm.D • NiHowdy Founder
Updated Jan 27, 2025
•Published Jan 15, 2025
Fact checkedWhat is Confusion at night?
Confusion at night, also known as sundowning, refers to a state where individuals may experience confusion, agitation, or disorientation during the evening or nighttime hours. This is particularly common among older adults or individuals with dementia, but it can also affect people with other underlying conditions. Understanding this condition helps manage it better, offering peace of mind to both patients and caregivers.
Symptoms of Confusion at night
Symptoms of confusion at night include:
- Increased agitation or restlessness during evening hours
- Disorientation, such as not recognizing familiar places or people
- Difficulty with memory, particularly forgetting recent events or conversations
- Inability to fall asleep or disrupted sleep patterns
- Irritability or a heightened sense of anxiety as night falls
What causes Confusion at night?
Confusion at night can be caused by:
- Alzheimer's disease or dementia, where the brain's ability to process information is impaired, leading to confusion
- Medications, especially sedatives or medications with side effects that affect mental clarity
- Poor sleep patterns, where disruptions in the circadian rhythm affect mental health
- Depression or anxiety, which can worsen confusion and agitation at night
- Infections or illnesses, especially in the elderly, which can affect cognition
Risk factors for Confusion at night
Risk factors for confusion at night include:
- Age, particularly older adults, who are more susceptible to conditions like dementia
- Cognitive impairments or a history of neurological conditions
- Chronic illnesses, which can affect overall brain health
- Side effects of medications, especially in the elderly
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which disrupt regular sleep cycles
Stop overpaying for prescriptions
Turn your FREE prescription savings into Bitcoin rewards. It’s that simple!
Sign up for free
Instant savings on prescriptions
Up to 5% back in bitcoind rewards
100% Free – No fees, no subscriptions
How is Confusion at night diagnosed?
Diagnosing confusion at night involves:
- Medical history review, including any previous diagnoses of neurological or mental health conditions
- Cognitive tests to assess memory and orientation
- Sleep studies, if a sleep disorder is suspected to be contributing to confusion
- Blood tests to rule out infections or other physiological causes
How is Confusion at night treated?
Treatment for confusion at night focuses on addressing the root cause, which may include:
- Medications to manage symptoms of dementia, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep hygiene practices, such as creating a calming bedtime routine
- Therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety
- Routine adjustments, including consistent sleep schedules and environmental changes to improve familiarity and comfort
Medications for Confusion at night
Medications that may be prescribed for confusion at night include:
- Anti-anxiety medications to reduce agitation and anxiety
- Antidepressants if mood disorders contribute to confusion
- Cognitive enhancers, such as donepezil, for those with dementia or Alzheimer's
Can Confusion at night be prevented?
While not all cases of confusion at night can be prevented, steps can be taken to reduce its occurrence:
- Establishing a consistent routine, including regular sleep times and a calm nighttime environment
- Managing underlying conditions, such as cognitive disorders or anxiety, with appropriate treatment
- Engaging in mental and physical activities during the day to maintain cognitive health
- Minimizing the use of medications that may affect cognition, under the guidance of a healthcare provider
Managing Confusion at night at home
At-home strategies for managing confusion at night include:
- Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine to help the person feel more secure
- Creating a calm, comfortable sleep environment, with minimal distractions or disturbances
- Using nightlights to reduce confusion about surroundings during nighttime hours
- Engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as listening to soothing music or reading
When should you seek help for Confusion at night?
Seek professional help if:
- The confusion worsens or becomes more frequent at night
- Other symptoms like extreme agitation, delusions, or hallucinations appear
- Sleep disruptions affect overall health or quality of life
- Confusion leads to safety concerns, such as wandering or getting lost
Join for FREE and start saving now!
Turn your prescription savings into Bitcoin rewards. It’s that simple!
Sign up for free
Instant savings on prescriptions
Up to 5% back in bitcoind rewards
100% Free – No fees, no subscriptions
How NiHowdy helps with Confusion at night
NiHowdy offers affordable access to medications and treatments that can help manage conditions causing confusion at night. Whether it's medications for anxiety, sleep disorders, or cognitive enhancement, NiHowdy provides savings and Bitcoin rebates to make treatment more accessible.
Success stories with Confusion at night
Macy experienced nighttime confusion from anxiety and sleep disturbances. By using NiHowdy's discounts on anti-anxiety medication, she found relief and improved her sleep quality.
Top Rx Coupons and Bitcoin Rewards
Thousands of prescriptions eligible for instant savings and Bitcoin rewards.
Pharmacy
LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM
250mg • 30 capsules
$8.83
0.0000032
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
AMOXICILLIN
250mg • 30 capsules
$6.99
0.0000025
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
ARMOUR THYROID
250mg • 30 capsules
$36.89
0.0000132
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
AZITHROMYCIN
250mg • 30 capsules
$10.24
0.0000037
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
IBUPROFEN
250mg • 30 capsules
$7.93
0.0000028
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
GABAPENTIN
250mg • 30 capsules
$8.54
0.0000031
5% Rebate
Pharmacy
PREDNISONE
250mg • 30 capsules
$4.05
0.0000014
5% Rebate
*NiHowdy's prescription pricing is derived from various sources. While we strive to provide accurate estimates, the displayed price may not always match the pharmacy's charge. For precise pricing, please consult your pharmacy and present the BIN/GRP/PCN numbers from your NiHowdy coupon.
