Ah, the twice-a-year chaos of Daylight Saving Time. For most of us, it’s an annoying inconvenience—losing an hour of sleep in the spring, gaining one in the fall, and spending weeks trying to reset our internal clocks. But for seniors, especially those with dementia, it’s more than just an inconvenience.

It can be a full-blown crisis. (Somebody get me coffee, NOW, please).

Time changes disrupt sleep, confuse routines, and send an already fragile sense of reality into a tailspin. If you thought your loved one’s schedule was unpredictable before, just wait until their body thinks it’s one time, the clock says another, and their brain is somewhere else entirely.

Let’s talk about why this happens—and, more importantly, how to make it easier for them (and you).

Why Does Time Change Hit So Hard?

For those of us with functioning circadian rhythms (aka, the body’s internal clock), adjusting to a time change takes a few days of grogginess and extra caffeine. But for the elderly—especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s—this shift can completely derail their sense of time, mood, and behavior.

Here’s why:

1. Disrupts Sleep Cycles The body relies on light cues to know when to sleep and wake. Mess with that, and suddenly, nighttime confusion, restlessness, and sundowning (late-day agitation) get worse. Less sleep = more cognitive decline. Dementia already affects sleep; this just throws gasoline on the fire.
2. Confuses Routines Dementia thrives on predictability. Mealtimes, medication schedules, bathroom trips—all of it is thrown off when the clock shifts, even if only by an hour. Your loved one may get up in the middle of the night, insist it’s time to go somewhere, or completely refuse to eat at the “wrong” mealtime.
3. Increases Agitation & Sundowning Many dementia patients struggle with sundowning, where they become more confused, anxious, or aggressive in the late afternoon. The time change alters how sunlight cues the brain, making this problem worse. Even those without dementia may feel disoriented, extra sleepy, or irritable—and if they don’t understand why, it can trigger frustration or even paranoia.
4. Throws Off Medication TimingMany medications work best on a strict schedule. Even a small shift in dosing can cause changes in blood sugar, blood pressure, or mood stabilization. If your loved one is already sensitive to meds, this can lead to dizziness, confusion, or feeling “off” without knowing why.

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How to Make Time Change Easier on Your Loved One

You can’t stop the clocks from changing, but you can minimize the fallout. Here are some simple ways to ease the transition and keep your loved one as comfortable as possible.

1. Start the Shift Early (and Slowly)

Don’t wait until the night before to adjust everything. Instead:
✔ Adjust bedtimes, wake-up times, and meals by 10-15 minutes per day starting a week before the time change.
✔ Dim lights earlier or later, depending on the direction of the shift, so their body starts adapting naturally.
✔ Keep the morning routine the same as much as possible. A steady start helps anchor the day.

2. Keep the Environment Consistent

Your loved one may trust their routine more than the clock. So, help them stick to what feels normal.
✔ Keep mealtimes and medications as close to the usual time as possible, even if the clock says otherwise.
✔ Use blackout curtains or bright lamps to mimic natural daylight at the right times.
✔ Keep clocks, calendars, and schedules visible so they have a reference point when they feel confused.

3. Help Regulate Sleep Naturally

Since sleep gets thrown out of whack, try these tricks:
✔ Expose them to natural light first thing in the morning to help reset their internal clock.
✔ Limit naps, especially late in the day. Short naps are okay, but too much daytime sleep makes nighttime worse.
✔ Encourage movement during the day (even a short walk) to help burn energy and regulate sleep hormones.
✔ Use white noise or soft music at night to encourage relaxation and sleep.

4. Prepare for Extra Confusion & Be Patient

Even with the best preparation, your loved one may struggle. Expect more questions, restlessness, and frustration.
✔ If they insist it’s a different time or day, don’t argue. Gently redirect: “Yes, it feels different today, but let’s have some breakfast together.”
✔ If they’re extra anxious, lean into comfort activities—a familiar TV show, a favorite snack, a warm blanket, or a hand massage.
✔ Keep your own stress levels in check. If you’re anxious about the time change, they’ll pick up on it.

5. Adjust Medications Gradually

For meds that need to be taken at specific times:
✔ Shift dosing by 15-30 minutes each day leading up to the change.
✔ Check with their doctor or pharmacist if certain medications should be adjusted differently.

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Surviving the Great Time Change Chaos

Let’s be honest—Daylight Saving Time is one giant societal prank that we’ve all agreed to participate in for reasons none of us truly understand. But while the rest of the world groans about losing sleep, caregivers are dodging meltdowns, adjusting medications, and explaining the time difference 87 times a day.

And the worst part? We have to do it all over again in six months.

But here’s the good news: it won’t last forever. Within a week or two, the storm will pass, routines will settle, and your loved one will find their rhythm again. In the meantime, be patient, keep the coffee flowing, and remember—you are not alone.

And if things get truly out of control? Just set all the clocks back to their old time and call it a day. Who’s going to know, except you?

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Caregiver Hack of the Week:

“The Fake Sunset Trick” – If sundowning gets worse after a time change, try this: dim the lights gradually in the evening to mimic a natural sunset. This helps their brain recognize bedtime and can reduce nighttime restlessness.

Bonus: It also helps you unwind after a long day! It will get better!!!