For the majority of people, changing the clocks can be a minor nuisance, but for people living with dementia it can be disorientating and sometimes cause anxiety, confusion and distress.
As winter mornings and evenings become darker, people with dementia may find it difficult to differentiate between 6am and 6pm. This can disrupt their circadian biological clock and make it hard for them and those who care for them to get enough sleep.
Not getting enough sleep can cause the person to become overtired, which can cause low mood and affect their ability to think clearly. They may also become irritable and distressed.
4 tips to help people with dementia cope with the clocks changing
Prepare on Saturday evening
Think about having dinner and going to bed an hour later on Saturday, so that the person can still get their usual amount of sleep and wake up at their usual time on Sunday. In this way, the person’s routine will only be different for an evening rather than a full day.
Routine
Having a routine during the day and at bedtime can help regulate a person’s disrupted body clock. Doing regular activities at the same time each day – for example going for a walk after breakfast, can help a person with dementia make sense of the time.
Outside time
Going outside and getting some gentle exercise can help the person feel sleepier during the evening so they go to bed at their usual time.
If the person is unable to go outside, the same effect can be created by ensuring there is lots of light in the home in the morning, or by sitting in front of a lamp or lightbox.
source: Supporting people with dementia when the clocks change | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
