What Is Sundowning?

All day, Mom seems fine. Then the sun sets — and she becomes someone else.

Sundowning is a pattern in dementia where confusion, agitation, anxiety, or suspicion intensifies in the late afternoon and evening. Fading light, fatigue, and a disrupted body clock all play a part. It can look like pacing, arguing, demanding to ‘go home’ while standing in their own living room, or trying to leave the house. What helps: light — keep rooms bright before dusk. Routine — the same schedule every day. Limit late-day caffeine, long naps, and evening stimulation. Redirect calmly instead of correcting — arguing with dementia never wins. And if wandering begins, it’s time for a real safety plan.

Sundowning is often the tipping point that breaks family caregivers, because it owns the hours when you’re most depleted. Evening and overnight caregiver support exists precisely for this — you don’t have to face the sunset alone.

This has been Care Without Crisis Explains, presented by Vanguard Care Solutions.

For more free videos and family resources — or when you’re ready to talk about care at home — visit vanguardcaresolutions.com or call 301-327-1444.