Adjusting to the End of Daylight Saving Time for People with Dementia

Daylight Savings Time Ended?‍

When the clocks fall back, most of us enjoy an extra hour of sleep—I know I do. However, for someone living with dementia, that shift can throw things off. Earlier darkness can confuse the body’s internal clock, and routines that usually anchor the day suddenly feel “off.” Many caregivers notice an increase in late-day confusion or agitation—often called sundowning.

The good news is that a few steady habits can help your partner settle into the new rhythm with less distress.

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Why the Time Change Makes a Difference

Shorter daylight means the brain gets mixed signals. “Evening” arrives earlier, and the person may sense it before they understand it. That mismatch can show up as pacing, irritability, anxiety, or restlessness. Think of it like a small dose of jet lag layered on top of an already sensitive system. There is essentially a discrepancy between the body's internal circadian rhythm and the new time set by "man".

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Quick, Practical Strategies to Ease the Shift

1. Keep routines steady

Routines are one of the strongest anchors for someone with dementia. People with dementia typically thrive off of routines. Try to keep wake times, meals, medications, and bedtime at the same clock times, even after the switch. If bedtime was 8 p.m. before, it’s still 8 p.m. now. Predictability helps the brain re-establish its bearings. And if matching the exact times isn’t possible, aim to keep the sequence and general pacing of the day the same.

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2. Make small adjustments ahead of time

When possible, gently shift the schedule in the week leading up to the time change—about 10–15 minutes earlier each day. If you miss that lead-in, you can still ease the transition by adjusting routines gradually after the change. Move meals, activities, and bedtime forward in small steps until your partner is back on the usual schedule. It won’t be as seamless as preparing ahead, but steady adjustments help reduce confusion and keep the day predictable. For example, if their usual dinner is 6:00pm, the new 5:00pm may feel like 6:00pm to them. You might start with 5:15pm, then 5:30pm. the next day, and continue in 15-minute increments until you reach the regular 6:00pm schedule. However, please don't force it, as that could increase agitation as well.

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3. Use light to your advantage

Light is one of the brain’s biggest cues.

• Morning: Open blinds or step outside with your partner for natural sunlight.
• Afternoon: Keep the home well lit to counter early dusk.
• Evening: Shift to soft, dim lighting. Limit bright screens and harsh overhead lights.
• Night: Use nightlights to prevent dark, confusing hallways.

Appropriate lighting can do a lot of the heavy lifting in resetting the sleep-wake cycle.

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4. Build in movement during the day

Light activity helps the body sleep better at night. A short walk, gentle stretching, or even moving to music can help burn off extra energy and boost mood—two things that can make evenings easier.

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5. Keep evenings calm

As the sun sets earlier, overstimulation can become more triggering. Save vacuuming, loud TVs, chores and busy tasks (e.g., doctor appointments) for earlier in the day. Stick to calming activities in the late afternoon and evening: soft music, photo albums, a light snack, or an easy routine like washing up and getting comfy or ready for bed. Familiar, quiet rhythms often help soften sundowning symptoms.

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6. Avoid late naps and stimulants

Aim for short, early naps only. Skip caffeine and sugary snacks after mid-afternoon. Both can fuel agitation or make nighttime sleep harder.

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7. Watch for patterns

If certain things consistently spark confusion—hunger, shadows, noise, darkness—take note. A simple log of “what happened right before” can help you see patterns. Once you spot them, small adjustments (a snack earlier, lamps on before dusk, quieter activities, removing triggering objects from the environments) can make evenings smoother.

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If Things Still Feel Rough

Sometimes the time change can highlight other issues, like pain or illness. If your partner’s agitation is unusually intense or they’re having a much harder time than usual falling or staying asleep, check in with their healthcare provider to rule out medical causes. Most people—with or without dementia—can settle into a new rhythm within about two of consistent routines. The first few days are usually the hardest, so be patient and hang in there.

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A Quick Reminder for You

This time shift isn’t always easy on caregivers. You’re carrying a lot. Even small changes like an extra break, a walk, or someone else stepping in for an hour can help balance your mental health. And, a calmer you makes the adjustment easier for both you and your partner.