To address sundowning, which practice is recommended?

To address sundowning, which practice is recommended?

• A. Setting a bedtime routine and keeping it
• B. Add caffeine to the resident's diet
• C. Schedule no activities after sunset
• D. Increase daytime napping

Answer: (A)

Sundowning happens when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or evening due to disrupted sleep-wake patterns. The most effective approach is to establish a stable, predictable sleep routine. A regular bedtime routine helps regulate the internal clock, makes evenings calmer, and supports better nighttime sleep, which together reduce sundowning symptoms. Other options tend to worsen the situation: caffeine is a stimulant that can keep someone awake and increase agitation; skipping activities after sunset removes structure that can provide reassurance and purpose; and increasing daytime naps can push sleepiness into the evening and worsen darkness-related agitation.

Sundowning happens when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or evening due to disrupted sleep-wake patterns. The most effective approach is to establish a stable, predictable sleep routine. A regular bedtime routine helps regulate the internal clock, makes evenings calmer, and supports better nighttime sleep, which together reduce sundowning symptoms.

Other options tend to worsen the situation: caffeine is a stimulant that can keep someone awake and increase agitation; skipping activities after sunset removes structure that can provide reassurance and purpose; and increasing daytime naps can push sleepiness into the evening and worsen darkness-related agitation.