Sundowning and dementia (Alzheimer's Society)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Alzheimer's Society (UK) · Published: August 21, 2026 · Accessed: August 21, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Sometimes a person with dementia will behave in ways that are difficult to understand in the late afternoon or early evening; this is known as 'sundowning'.
• During this time the person may become intensely distressed, agitated, and have hallucinations or delusions; this may continue into the night, making it hard for them to get enough sleep.
• Possible contributing factors include tiredness, hunger, pain or other unmet physical needs, not enough exposure to sunlight during the day, overstimulation, disturbance to the body clock, and side effects of prescribed drugs.
• Tips for reducing sundowning include identifying unmet needs (toilet, hunger, pain), closing curtains or blinds once it gets dark to reduce disturbing shadows and reflections, and reducing overstimulation.