By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    7 Truths and Myths about Being a Full-time Emergency Doctor in a Big Hospital
    7 Truths and Myths about Being a Full-time Emergency Doctor in a Big Hospital
    October 6, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Seven Senior Health Tips For The Holidays
    December 21, 2011
    Medicaid to Fund ‘Stay-Healthy’ Incentive Programs
    September 12, 2017
    Health Affairs Briefing Addresses Costly Consequences of Diabetes Treatment in America
    January 12, 2012
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: How to Spot Sundowning Behavior
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > How to Spot Sundowning Behavior
Geriatrics

How to Spot Sundowning Behavior

eCaring
eCaring
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

Sundown syndrome, also known as sundowning, sunsetting or shadowing, is a behavior that commonly occurs in persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. It refers to a psychological state of confusion and restlessness that begins at dusk and during evening hours while the sun is setting.

Sundown syndrome, also known as sundowning, sunsetting or shadowing, is a behavior that commonly occurs in persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. It refers to a psychological state of confusion and restlessness that begins at dusk and during evening hours while the sun is setting.

Sundowning typically occurs more frequently during the middle stages of dementia, affecting 20-45% of all dementia patients according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Because sundowning symptoms are difficult to deal with, it is often cited as a common cause of caregiver burnout.

Signs of Sundowning

More Read

The Granny Pod – Good Idea or Bad
Hallmark Please Create Hospice Cards
Most Expensive Nursing Homes on the East Coast
Cost & Caregiving Impact from Alzheimer’s Disease
Boomer Health: Top 8 Best Health Digital Resources for Boomers

Behavior and mood changes associated with sundowning include:

  • Wandering
  • Aggression and combativeness
  • Agitation and yelling
  • Delusions and hallucinations
  • Paranoia and suspicion
  • Disorientation to time and place
  • Restlessness
  • Insecurity

What causes sundowning?

Although the specific causes of sundowning are not fully understood, researchers have identified several contributing factors that can increase risk for symptoms;

  • Disruption of the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm
  • Experiencing pain
  • Medication interactions
  • Constipation and fecal impaction
  • Poor quality sleep
  • Improper nourishment

Ways to manage sundowning behaviors

Consult your loved one’s physician to investigate if underlying problems, including infections or pain, are present. At this time, request a review of medications to ensure there are no side effects or interactions that can contributing to the problem.

Helping the person become more active during the day can alleviate the severity of sundowing syndrome. Discourage daytime naps and instead plan activities and exercise during the day. Keeping the house or indoor environment well lit may also help regulate restlessness.

Monitor your loved one’s diet. Limit consumption of sugar and caffeine to the morning hours. Avoid serving heavy meals late in the day and off light snacks before bedtime to aid sleep.

What other tips do you have for dealing with sundowning? 

TAGGED:Alzheimer's DiseaseSundowning
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Health Tips For Women
Top 5 Health Tips For Women Over 45
Women Health
July 7, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

Alzheimer’s, Anticipatory Grief, and Ambiguous Loss: Saying Goodbye But Still Here

March 14, 2013

A Guide for the Unprepared Caregiver: Tory Zellick’s Medical Day Planner

November 15, 2012
GeriatricsHome HealthWellness

A Guide To Healthy Aging And Happier Golden Years

November 16, 2018

HuffPo: Caregiving Resources to the Rescue!

February 28, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?