"Sundowning" is the term used to describe a confused state that sets in late in the afternoon and continues into the night. Sundowning can result in a range of behaviors, including disobedience, hostility, anxiety, and bewilderment. Wandering or pacing can also result from sundowning.
It is not an illness to sundown. It is a collection of symptoms that show up at particular times of the day. Individuals suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, may have these symptoms.
Sundowning's precise etiology is unknown. A small amount of melatonin, according to some study, may make sundowning easier. When taken either way—alone or in conjunction with daytime exposure to strong light—it can be beneficial.
Pain, depression, side effects from medications, or other conditions might be factors..