Glossary term
Sundowning
Sundowning is a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening seen in some people with dementia.
Updated · Published April 20, 2026
Sundowning describes a pattern of worsening symptoms — confusion, agitation, anxiety, restlessness, or irritability — that appears in the late afternoon and evening in some people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The same person may be calmer in the morning and more distressed as the day winds down.
Why it happens
There is no single cause, but contributors include a disrupted internal body clock, end-of-day fatigue, fading light and confusing shadows, unmet needs like hunger or pain, overstimulation, and poor sleep.
Easing it
The two biggest levers are routine (predictable daily rhythms, demanding activities in the morning) and light (bright light early in the day, lamps on before dusk to remove shadows). Keeping evenings calm, limiting late caffeine, and responding with reassurance rather than correction all help. Because sundowning raises the risk of wandering, evening safety layers like door alarms matter. See our full guide on understanding sundowning.