What is sundowning?

What is sundowning?

• A. Behavioral changes that occur in the evening with improvement or disappearance during the day
• B. Behavioral changes that occur in the morning
• C. No changes
• D. Only at night

Answer: (A)

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more confused, agitated, or restless as daylight fades, with these symptoms often easing during the daytime. This pattern explains why the behavior described occurs in the evening and improves when daytime activities resume. It’s tied to disruptions in the body’s internal clock, fatigue, lower evening lighting, and triggers like fatigue, discomfort, or changes in routine. To help, keep a consistent daily schedule, maximize daytime light exposure, plan activities earlier in the day, limit naps late in the afternoon, and create a calm, well-lit evening environment while watching for any medical issues or pain that could be fueling the changes.

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more confused, agitated, or restless as daylight fades, with these symptoms often easing during the daytime. This pattern explains why the behavior described occurs in the evening and improves when daytime activities resume. It’s tied to disruptions in the body’s internal clock, fatigue, lower evening lighting, and triggers like fatigue, discomfort, or changes in routine. To help, keep a consistent daily schedule, maximize daytime light exposure, plan activities earlier in the day, limit naps late in the afternoon, and create a calm, well-lit evening environment while watching for any medical issues or pain that could be fueling the changes.