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We’ll start with the good news, we’ll get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday! Why? On November 3^rd daylight saving time ends.

What does this mean for your everyday schedule? What can you do to prepare? What should you expect from a senior in your life?

We’ll answer these questions and more in our blog!

We fall back on November 3^rd 2024 – for the average person this means, an extra hour of sleep, brighter mornings, and potentially the chance to spend more time outdoors!

What does daylight saving time ending mean for seniors? We’ll talk about some of the positives and negatives as well as ways you can prepare to make the time adjustment as easy as possible.

If you know a senior who has Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might want to check out our blog, 5 Tips for Daylight Savings and Alzheimer’s Disease. In this blog we touch on specific things to incorporate to make the transition easier for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia and touch on topics like caffeine, sleeping habits, routine and sundowning.

Sleep Disruptions:

One of the most noticeable impacts of Daylight Savings Time on seniors is disruptions in their sleep patterns. Seniors often have more sensitive internal clocks, making it harder for them to adjust to the sudden shift in time. This disruption can lead to various issues, including:

• Medication Mix-Up: Seniors who rely on medication schedules may find themselves confused about when to take their medications due to the time change. This confusion can result in missed doses or unintentional overdoses, posing serious health risks. Be sure medications are clearly marked and laid out to prevent any medication mishaps.
• Trouble Driving: Sleep disturbances can impair cognitive function and reaction time, making driving more dangerous for seniors. The risk of accidents increases during the days following the time change as seniors struggle to adapt to their new sleep schedule. If mom or dad are driving, be sure to check in on them and double check if they’d like a ride. Residents at Northbridge communities have access to transportation with our community vehicles. Scheduled into the week are trips to restaurants, museums and drives around town as well as to the grocery store. Although our residents also enjoy 3 Eat Fresh, Eat Local meals in our community dining rooms!

• Fall Risk: Sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of falls among seniors, who are already more prone to accidents due to age-related factors. The combination of reduced sleep and potential medication mix-ups can further elevate this risk, highlighting the importance of taking precautions during this period. Precautions include: making sure there is adequate lighting in all rooms to prevent tripping and removing items that could be potential tripping hazards like area rugs. It is important to make sure all areas of your mom or dads home have been modified to include additional safety features – grab bars in bathrooms, rails on stairs, etc.
• Bedroom for Sleeping Only: Creating a sleep-conducive environment is essential for seniors during Daylight Savings Time. Designating the bedroom for sleeping only, free from distractions such as TVs or electronic devices, can help improve sleep quality and aid in adjusting to the new schedule.
• Exercise: regular exercise is a great way to encourage good sleeping habits. It is especially important in the days following the time change to limit sleep disturbances.

Disruption in Routine:

Seniors often thrive on routine, and any disruption, such as the shift in time during Daylight Savings, can be challenging to navigate. Changes in routine can lead to feelings of disorientation and anxiety among seniors, affecting their overall well-being. Establishing a consistent daily schedule and maintaining familiar routines can help alleviate some of these effects. It’s important to remember that some seniors, especially those living with dementia will have a hard time understanding why their routine feels different because their circadian rhythm has been adjusted but they might not remember or realize it is Daylight Savings.

Mealtime Considerations:

Daylight Savings can also impact seniors’ mealtime habits, particularly in terms of dietary choices. Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine and heavy meals, can interfere with sleep quality and exacerbate sleep disturbances. Seniors should be mindful of their food and drink intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, to promote better sleep hygiene during this period. This is especially important when it comes to caffeine – be sure to adjust the caffeine cutoff time with the time change to ensure a good night sleep.

Daylight Savings Time can have a significant impact on seniors, affecting various aspects of their daily lives from sleep patterns to routine activities. By understanding these effects and implementing strategies to mitigate them, we can better help seniors navigate the transition and maintain their overall well-being. Caregivers and healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting seniors during this time, providing guidance and assistance as needed to ensure a smooth adjustment to the time change. As we head into the days leading up to the time change, have a plan in place. Dedicate time to exercise, stick with a routine, be mindful of caffeine intake and above all have patience and understanding if the senior in your life is struggling to adjust to the time change.

Positives that come from daylight savings time ending:

• Extra hour of sleep- the morning we ‘fall back’ we enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
• More sunshine in the morning- waking up with the sun is a great way to start the day!

So what are some drawbacks?

• Early evenings – if mom or dad is a night owl, the fact that it will start getting dark earlier might cause some agitation or sadness.
• Fall risk- as it starts to get darker earlier, we need to be mindful of making sure there is adequate lighting for seniors throughout the house.

The best advice we can share is to be patient through the adjustment period and do your best to stick with a routine, things will get back to normal.

Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour.

Source:
AgingCare.com