The Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Sleep Patterns and Dementia: What You Need to Know


The Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Sleep Patterns and Dementia: What You Need to Know


Most of the country will lose an hour of sleep this weekend with Daylight Saving Time. Sleep pattern changes - like those we experience during Daylight Saving Time - have been shown to affect different aspects of our physical and psychological health, including our brain health. In fact, research is published regularly that suggests poor sleep -- like sleep apnea and insomnia -- may increase our risk for dementia, while getting regular healthy sleep may reduce our risk of dementia. 

At the same time, people living with dementia and their family caregivers often experience changes in sleep patterns, wandering and regular bouts of insomnia. This can be exhausting and stressful for everyone involved. But there are effective ways to manage sleep issues.

Daylight saving time (DST) can have significant impacts on people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Here’s why:

1.    Disruption of Sleep Patterns: One of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's is disrupted sleep, and DST can exacerbate this. The time change might make it harder for those with Alzheimer's to adjust their sleep-wake cycles, leading to further confusion, agitation, and difficulty sleeping.

2.    Increased Disorientation: People with Alzheimer's may already have difficulty recognizing time or place. The sudden change in time can worsen feelings of disorientation and confusion, as it can be hard for them to understand the shift.

3.    Changes in Routine: Individuals with Alzheimer's thrive on routine. The abrupt change in time disrupts their daily habits, which could lead to heightened anxiety and agitation.

Tips for Coping with Daylight Saving Time for Alzheimer's Caregivers:

•    Adjust Gradually: In the days leading up to the time change, try to shift bedtime and waking times by 15 minutes each day to help ease the transition.

•    Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to regular schedules for meals, sleep, and activities. Consistency can reduce confusion and anxiety.

•    Promote Sunlight Exposure: Encourage exposure to natural light during the day, as this helps reset the internal clock and improves sleep quality.

•    Be Patient: It may take a few days for your loved one to adjust to the new time. Offer comfort and reassurance during this period.

Understanding the Risk: Alzheimer’s disease can cause individuals to lose their sense of direction and familiarity, making them susceptible to wandering. Statistics show that six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, with many doing so repeatedly. This behavior can occur at any stage of the disease, and its unpredictable nature adds significant stress for caregivers and family members.

While daylight saving time can present challenges for individuals with Alzheimer's, caregivers can take steps to make the transition smoother and help their loved ones maintain a sense of stability.

On January 1, 2016 Silver Search legislation was passed in Illinois. Silver Search is a coordinated effort to bring awareness, education, and resources to help find and safely return people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that go missing. The Silver Search program wants to bring to light the increasing incidences of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that get lost and ways in which the public can help law enforcement return them home safely. For more information about Silver Search visit, www.silversearchillinois.org. 

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) that is available 365 days a year. Specialists and master’s-level clinicians provide confidential support and information to individuals living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.


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