Dementia & Daylight-Saving Time
When clocks “fall back” and it gets dark earlier….how can you transition easier?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) shifts disrupt the circadian rhythms of individuals with dementia, potentially worsening confusion, anxiety, and sundowning.
Here are some tips to smooth the transition:
1. Adjust Gradually
Shift bedtime and wake-up time by 10–15 minutes each day leading up to the change.
Do the same for meals and activities.
2. Prioritize Natural Light
Open curtains during the day and spend time outdoors.
· Use bright indoor lighting in the late afternoon to help with the earlier onset of darkness.
· Gradually dim lights in the evening to cue the body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
3. Stick to Routine
Keep mealtimes, medications, and daily activities as consistent as possible.
Anchor the day with familiar cues (morning coffee, afternoon walk, evening music).
Daylight saving transitions can be tough. Be patient with yourself and your loved one. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
--
Susan Raychard, MOTR/L, CDP, PAC Independent Trainer
207-298-0071
