Summary:The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of environmental interventions on one category of excessive motor behavior observed in the geriatric patient with advanced dementia. Specifically, combinations of background lighting and moderate intensity white noise were used and their effects evaluated on chronic bruxism behavior. The sensory combinations included dim illumination with quiet, dim illumination with noise, bright illumination with quiet, and bright illumination with noise. It was hypothesized that elevated sensory conditions would reduce excessive motor symptoms in patients previously confined to a closed geriatric ward with routinely quiet conditions and dim illumination of about 42 ft candles. This hypothesis was derived from arousal and activation theories. Experimental support was shown for this hypothesis across two replications, each consisting of four daily sessions. Treatment procedures may be developed for more cost-efficient and effective treatment of patients with excessive motor symptomatology within the convalescent care or rehabilitation setting, reducing monitoring and physical constraint requirements, and potentially through the alleviation of medical complications arising from these activities (e.g., dental care secondary to chronic bruxism)