An NA can respond to sundowning by?

An NA can respond to sundowning by?

• A. Adding more caffeine to the resident's diet
• B. Scheduling activities during this time
• C. Restricting exercise during the day
• D. Setting a bedtime routine and keeping it

Answer: (D)

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or evening. The best way to reduce these symptoms is to create a predictable, calming routine at bedtime. Setting a consistent bedtime routine helps pace the day, signals the body that it’s time to wind down, and promotes better sleep. With clearer expectations and fewer evening surprises, the resident is less likely to become disoriented or agitated as the day ends, which improves safety and comfort for everyone. The other approaches don’t address the underlying need for rhythm and calm at night. Adding caffeine would raise arousal and disrupt sleep, likely worsening sundowning. Scheduling stimulating activities during the evening increases sensory input when the resident is most vulnerable, potentially intensifying confusion and agitation. Restricting exercise during the day can reduce overall daytime activity that supports better sleep; activity earlier in the day is generally helpful for sleep quality, not a fix for sundowning.

Sundowning is when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or evening. The best way to reduce these symptoms is to create a predictable, calming routine at bedtime. Setting a consistent bedtime routine helps pace the day, signals the body that it’s time to wind down, and promotes better sleep. With clearer expectations and fewer evening surprises, the resident is less likely to become disoriented or agitated as the day ends, which improves safety and comfort for everyone.

The other approaches don’t address the underlying need for rhythm and calm at night. Adding caffeine would raise arousal and disrupt sleep, likely worsening sundowning. Scheduling stimulating activities during the evening increases sensory input when the resident is most vulnerable, potentially intensifying confusion and agitation. Restricting exercise during the day can reduce overall daytime activity that supports better sleep; activity earlier in the day is generally helpful for sleep quality, not a fix for sundowning.