noun General Slang

sundowning

SUN-down-ing · noun · informal

Dementia patients becoming confused and agitated toward evening

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Definitions

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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.”
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sundowning In A Sentence

He's fine by day but starts sundowning around dusk.

Origin & Usage

Recognised clinical phenomenon that crossed into everyday ward slang; 'sun going down.'

People Also Ask

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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