sundowning
A pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or behavioral disturbance in cognitively impaired patients that emerges or worsens in the late afternoon and evening hours.
Full Definition
Sundowning refers to a circadian-related phenomenon commonly observed in patients with dementia or delirium, characterised by heightened confusion, restlessness, aggression, or wandering that occurs predominantly in the late afternoon and evening. In geriatric rehabilitation units, sundowning can significantly impede therapy participation and requires careful documentation in nursing and behavioral progress notes. Editors should note that the term is written as one word, lowercase, with no hyphen. It is a clinical descriptor, not a formal diagnostic term, and should not be presented as a standalone diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Write as a single unhyphenated word, lowercase. Do not capitalise unless beginning a sentence. It is a descriptive clinical term, not an ICD-coded diagnosis; avoid presenting it as such in formal reports.
In Context
- "Nursing staff documented episodes of sundowning each evening, with the patient becoming increasingly agitated after 17:00." — Inpatient nursing progress note
- "The care plan included low-stimulation activities in the afternoon to mitigate sundowning behaviors." — Geriatric rehabilitation care plan