General
sundowning
What does sundowning mean?
The tendency of some patients with dementia or delirium to grow disoriented, restless or combative as daylight fades. Also 'sundowner.'
"He's fine by day but starts sundowning around dusk."
Origin
Recognised clinical phenomenon that crossed into everyday ward slang; 'sun going down.'
Frequently asked questions
What does 'sundowning' mean?
It's the tendency of some dementia or delirium patients to become confused, restless or agitated as evening approaches and daylight fades.
Where does the term come from?
It refers literally to the sun going down, since symptoms typically worsen in the late afternoon and evening.
Is 'sundowning' a real medical concept?
Yes, it's a recognised clinical phenomenon that also became everyday ward slang.
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