Time Change & Dementia: Why It Hits Harder — And What to Do

When the clocks shift for Daylight Saving Time, most of us feel a little off for a day or two. But for someone living with dementia, the effects can last much longer.
Changes in light, routines, and sleep patterns can trigger confusion, irritability, nighttime wandering, or an increase in “sundowning” symptoms.

If the time change happened two weeks ago and you’re still noticing changes in mood or behavior, you’re not imagining it — this is common and well documented by dementia specialists, including the Alzheimer’s Society, Teepa Snow, and recent caregiver reports featured by Global News.

Small, gentle adjustments can bring back stability and confidence for both you and your loved one.

Why the Time Change Impacts People Living With Dementia

1. The internal clock becomes disrupted

The brain’s ability to regulate day–night cycles is already more fragile with dementia.
A one-hour shift can feel like much more, making morning and evening cues harder to process.

Result: trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, or feeling “out of sync.”

2. Light levels play a big role

Earlier sunsets mean less natural light, which can worsen:

• evening agitation

• disorientation

• late-day fatigue

• changes in mood

This aligns with what experts call sundowning, a common late-afternoon increase in confusion.

3. Routines get thrown off

People living with cognitive changes rely heavily on predictability.
When the world “moves” one hour forward or back, even simple tasks like meals, medication, or bedtime feel different.

Result: restlessness, uncertainty, or needing more reassurance.

4. Sleep quality often gets worse

According to dementia care specialists, the time change can disrupt sleep for weeks.
Poor rest creates a cycle:

• less patience

• more anxiety

• higher risk of wandering

And yes, caregivers feel this impact too.

Gentle Ways to Bring Back Balance After the Time Change

Here are supportive, non-invasive strategies backed by dementia experts:

1. Anchor the day with consistent routines

Stick to the same times for:

• waking up

• meals

• medication

• activities

• bedtime

Predictability reduces the mental load for someone who is already trying to make sense of their environment.

2. Use light to support the body’s natural rhythm

• Open blinds early

• Increase indoor lighting in late afternoon

• Use warm, steady lights rather than bright “white” overheads
  Some caregivers find that adding a 30-minute walk in daylight helps reset the internal clock.

3. Keep evenings calm

As recommended by Alzheimer’s Society:

• Reduce noise and overstimulation

• Avoid big schedule changes

• Offer quiet, relaxing activities (soft music, folding towels, simple conversation)

4. Reassure with simple orientation cues

Confusion increases when someone wakes up and can’t tell if it’s morning or night.

Use:

• a note

• a simple calendar

• or a digital tool that gives clear orientation, like the Idem Clock

This reduces unnecessary panic and helps them feel more grounded.

5. Address sleep gently, not strictly

Instead of forcing a strict bedtime:

• aim for consistency, not perfection

• avoid caffeine late in the day

• limit evening naps

• try soothing cues like a warm drink, dim lighting, or a familiar object

(Teepa Snow’s advice: “Focus on comfort, not correction.”)

A Final Word of Reassurance

If the last few weeks have felt harder, it’s not your fault; the time change can deeply affect orientation, sleep, and mood for someone living with dementia.

Gentle structure, steady routines, and clear cues can help your loved one feel secure again. And tools like the Idem Clock are there to support both of you through transitions that feel bigger than they look on the calendar.

You’re doing more than managing a time change; you’re creating safety, connection, and calm during a confusing moment.