Supporting your loved one through the seasonal shift of Daylight Saving Time change.
For many of us, the end of Daylight Saving Time in early November means gaining an extra hour of sleep and adjusting our clocks back by one hour. But for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, this shift can trigger more than a minor inconvenience; it can significantly disrupt routines, amplify confusion, and intensify symptoms of “sundowning.”
At Peaceful Pines Senior Living, we recognize how deeply these seasonal changes can impact our residents and their families. By understanding the connection between time changes and dementia-related behaviors, caregivers can take steps to ease the transition and protect their loved one’s well-being.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning refers to a group of symptoms that often emerge in the late afternoon or evening for individuals with dementia, including confusion, anxiety, agitation, and restlessness, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. These symptoms may also include hallucinations, delusions, or sudden mood changes.
While the exact cause of sundowning isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to be linked to circadian rhythm disturbances as explained by the Mayo Clinic. Changes in lighting, like the early darkness that follows the end of Daylight Saving Time, can make these symptoms worse.
As one person living with dementia described it, “I lost the concept of time long ago, but when it’s only 5:00 p.m. and already dark, I know something’s not right. That alone can make me anxious.”
Why the Time Change Matters
The end of Daylight Saving Time brings longer nights and darker mornings, which can:
- Confuse sleep and wake cycles
- Disrupt familiar routines
- Make it harder to distinguish between day and night
- Increase fatigue, which leads to irritability or agitation
Even subtle changes in routine, such as a slightly different dinnertime or shadows falling earlier in the living room, can feel overwhelming to someone with dementia. That’s why preparation and consistency are so important during this seasonal transition.
Tips for Caregivers: Easing the Transition
Fortunately, there are several simple yet effective ways to support a loved one with dementia during this time:
Stick to a Routine
Keep mealtimes, medication, and bedtime as consistent as possible. Routine provides comfort and helps reduce confusion.
Increase Natural Light Exposure
Encourage outdoor time during daylight hours or open curtains wide to let in sunlight. Morning walks are especially helpful for regulating the body’s internal clock.
Keep the Home Well-Lit in the Evening
Use soft, warm lighting indoors to reduce shadows that might be confusing. Turn on lights before the sun goes down to ease the transition from day to night.
Limit Naps and Caffeine
Too much daytime sleep or caffeine late in the day can interfere with nighttime rest. The National Institute on Aging recommends limiting overstimulation for better nighttime sleep.
Plan Calming Activities Before Dusk
Listening to music, looking at photo albums, or watching a comforting show can offer soothing distraction during the “sundowning” window.
Observe and Reassure
Instead of correcting disorientation, offer gentle reassurance and cues. A simple reminder that “everything is okay” can go a long way.
Adjusting for the Fall Back: A Few Extra Steps
- In the days leading up to the time change, consider shifting your loved one’s schedule by 10–15 minutes at a time to ease the adjustment.
- If possible, serve dinner before the sun sets, so mealtimes remain in full daylight.
- If confusion arises, avoid explaining the time change, as short-term memory is often impaired in dementia, making repeated explanations ineffective and potentially frustrating.
A Season for Grace and Patience
The end of Daylight Saving Time is a good reminder that what seems minor to some can be significant for others. For families navigating dementia, this season can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for compassion, preparation, and deeper connection.
At Peaceful Pines, our team is here to walk beside you. Whether your loved one is a full-time resident or staying with us for a short-term stay, we’re committed to supporting their comfort, dignity, and daily rhythm, all year long.
Learn more about our memory care philosophy and how we support families through every season. [Explore Assisted Living at Peaceful Pines »] [Explore Memory Care at Peaceful Pines »]
