Sundowning
Sundowning
Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, prevalent among people with some form of dementia, is characterized by increased confusion and restlessness beginning in the late afternoon and early evening. The term sundowning was coined by nurse Lois K. Evans in 1987 due to the association between the person's increased confusion and the setting of the sun.
Relevance
The following social, economic, and physiological adverse outcomes are correlated with individuals affected by sundowning and their caregivers:
Causes
While the specific causes of sundowning have not been empirically proven, some evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disruption increases sundowning behaviors. In humans, sunset triggers a biochemical cascade that involves a reduction of dopamine levels and a shift towards melatonin production as the body prepares for sleep. In individuals with dementia, melatonin production may be decreased, which may interrupt other neurotransmitter systems.
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