Sundowning and the Time Change: How to Help a Loved One with Dementia

The concept of daylight saving time can confuse everybody’s internal clock. Losing an hour in the spring can cause tiredness, while gaining an hour in the winter may increase the risk of irritability and depression in some people. However, these effects can be much more pronounced in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

By adding or taking away an hour, daylight saving time affects your loved one’s natural body clock.

This affects the chemicals the brain releases throughout the day, and often results in changes in behavior, mood and well-being.

For those with dementia, daylight saving time can also be challenging because having a consistent routine is an important part of managing their condition. By shifting ahead/back an hour, this routine is disrupted and may lead to confusion.

For caregivers of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, that shift can worsen “sundowning” which is increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in the late afternoon and evening. For a full overview, read our guide to sundowners syndrome: symptoms, causes and care tips.

So Why Does One Hour Matter so Much?

When we suddenly lose an hour of light, it’s like experiencing mild jet lag. Your body is still on yesterday’s time, and this mismatch can leave you feeling groggy, less alert or struggling to fall asleep or wake up. 

Daylight saving time might seem like a small shift, but for caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it can throw off sleep and overall health. The good news? You can minimize the impact with a few simple adjustments like easing into the change and sticking to a routine.

Six Ways to Help Manage

1. Get Plenty of Daylight. Spend time outside or near a bright window during the morning and afternoon. Natural light helps the body know when it is daytime and can support better sleep at night. 

2. Keep a Routine. Try to wake up, eat meals, take medications, and go to bed at about the same time each day. A steady routine can help the body adjust to the earlier sunset. Familiar things are calming.

3. Turn on Lights Before It Gets Dark. Since it gets dark earlier after the time change, turn on lights in the home before sunset. Keep rooms bright and reduce dark areas or shadows that may cause confusion or anxiety. 

4. Keep Evenings Quiet. After dinner, turn the TV down or off and put on music your loved one likes. Give their hands something easy to do, like folding towels, sorting socks, or flipping through old photos. A familiar evening routine can help the person feel safe and comfortable. 

5. Adjust Meal Times Gradually. If the time change affects meal times, move meals by about 10–15 minutes each day instead of changing them all at once. This can make it easier for the body to adjust to the new schedule. 

6. Know When to Loop in A Healthcare Provider. If you notice new or ongoing changes in sleep, mood, or behavior, it’s a good idea to check in with your loved ones healthcare provider. They can offer guidance, answer questions, and help you find ways to make the transition easier. 

Careforth works alongside family caregivers who are keeping care at home. You get a care team that listens, practical guidance for days like these, and connection to local resources. Want to learn more? Call (866) 797-2333 or visit careforth.com.