Understanding Sundowning
The Gentle Ethics of Caregiving
A Special Reflection
When the Sun Goes Down: Understanding Sundowning Through a Different Lens
There is a quiet shift that happens at the end of the day.
The light softens. Shadows grow longer. The rhythm of the home begins to slow.
For most people, this time signals rest.
But for some aging adults — especially those living with dementia — this time of day can bring something very different.
Confusion.
Restlessness.
Anxiety.
A feeling that something isn’t quite right.
This experience is often referred to as sundowning.
What Sundowning Looks Like
Families may begin to notice changes in the late afternoon or evening.
A loved one who was calm earlier in the day may suddenly become:
• more restless or agitated
• confused about where they are
• anxious or fearful
• searching for something or someone
• resistant to routine or redirection
• unable to settle down for the night
These changes can feel sudden and unpredictable.
And for caregivers, they can feel overwhelming.
What It May Feel Like for Them
While sundowning can be difficult to observe, it can help to gently shift perspective.
Imagine waking up in a place that feels unfamiliar.
The lighting is different. The shadows are confusing. The environment does not feel quite the same as it did earlier in the day.
You are trying to make sense of what is happening, but your thoughts feel unclear.
You may feel:
• unsure of where you are
• like you need to go somewhere
• like you are missing something important
• anxious without knowing why
For someone experiencing dementia, this is not imagination.
It is their reality in that moment.
Why Sundowning Happens
Sundowning is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
• changes in the brain’s ability to process time and light
• disruption of the internal body clock (circadian rhythm)
• fatigue at the end of the day
• decreased lighting and increased shadows
• overstimulation or, in some cases, too little stimulation
• unmet physical or emotional needs
As daylight fades, the brain may struggle to interpret the environment correctly.
This can lead to confusion and emotional distress.
The Emotional Weight for Caregivers
For caregivers, sundowning can be one of the most emotionally draining parts of the day.
Just when the day should be winding down, a new wave of energy and confusion may begin.
Caregivers may feel:
• exhausted
• unsure how to respond
• frustrated or helpless
• concerned about safety
• emotionally overwhelmed
These feelings are completely valid.
Caring for someone during these moments requires patience, flexibility, and deep compassion.
A Different Way to Respond
Sundowning is not something that can always be “fixed.”
But it can be approached with understanding.
Instead of trying to correct or stop the behavior, it can help to:
• offer reassurance rather than reasoning
• speak calmly and gently
• reduce environmental stress (dim lights, noise, clutter)
• provide comfort through familiar routines
• redirect rather than argue
• meet emotional needs, even if the words don’t make sense
Sometimes what a person needs most is not an explanation.
It is a feeling of safety and calm.
Caregiver Insight
Professional caregivers often approach sundowning as a shift in the person’s experience of reality — not as a behavior that needs to be controlled.
When caregivers meet the person where they are, rather than trying to bring them back to reality, the experience often becomes less distressing for everyone involved.
A Gentle Reminder for Caregivers
If you are caring for someone experiencing sundowning, please remember:
You are not doing anything wrong.
This is not something you caused.
And it is not something you need to solve perfectly.
Sometimes the most meaningful care you can offer is simply:
• your presence
• your calm voice
• your reassurance
Even in moments of confusion, your loved one can still feel comfort and safety through you.
Questions to Reflect On
• Have you noticed changes in your loved one’s behavior in the late afternoon or evening?
• What seems to help calm or comfort them during these times?
• How can you create a more peaceful environment as the day transitions into night?
Closing Reflection
As the sun sets, the world becomes quieter.
But for some, it becomes more uncertain.
Caregiving in these moments is not about restoring clarity.
It is about providing comfort in the midst of confusion.
And sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply sitting beside someone and helping them feel safe as the day comes to a close.