Which term describes the increased restlessness or agitation in the late afternoon and evening among residents with dementia?

Which term describes the increased restlessness or agitation in the late afternoon and evening among residents with dementia?

• A. Postmortem Care
• B. Sundowning
• C. Prone
• D. Fowlers Position

Answer: (B)

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more restless, agitated, or confused as daylight fades into the evening. This happens because the brain changes from dementia can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, and fatigue from the day, reduced daylight cues, and lingering daytime stress can heighten confusion and irritability. Environmental and medical factors also play a role—too much noise or activity, not enough light in the evening, pain, hunger, thirst, a full bladder, constipation, or new medications can all trigger or worsen evening agitation. To help prevent or lessen it, keep a consistent daily routine with activities that are calm and not overly stimulating, increase lighting in the late afternoon and evening, limit naps, and offer familiar comforting rituals or items. A quiet, safe environment, simple and reassuring communication, and opportunities for gentle activity earlier in the day can make a big difference. Always check for basic needs and medical issues—pain, hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, or infection—and review medications with a clinician if agitation is frequent or severe. Good sleep hygiene and a predictable bedtime routine also support stability. Postmortem care refers to care after death; prone describes lying on the stomach; Fowlers position is sitting up with the torso elevated. These terms do not describe the pattern of evening restlessness seen in dementia.

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more restless, agitated, or confused as daylight fades into the evening. This happens because the brain changes from dementia can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, and fatigue from the day, reduced daylight cues, and lingering daytime stress can heighten confusion and irritability. Environmental and medical factors also play a role—too much noise or activity, not enough light in the evening, pain, hunger, thirst, a full bladder, constipation, or new medications can all trigger or worsen evening agitation.

To help prevent or lessen it, keep a consistent daily routine with activities that are calm and not overly stimulating, increase lighting in the late afternoon and evening, limit naps, and offer familiar comforting rituals or items. A quiet, safe environment, simple and reassuring communication, and opportunities for gentle activity earlier in the day can make a big difference. Always check for basic needs and medical issues—pain, hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, or infection—and review medications with a clinician if agitation is frequent or severe. Good sleep hygiene and a predictable bedtime routine also support stability.

Postmortem care refers to care after death; prone describes lying on the stomach; Fowlers position is sitting up with the torso elevated. These terms do not describe the pattern of evening restlessness seen in dementia.