Daylight Savings Time and its effect on seniors

Twice a year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) sets the clock of Americans forward or back an hour. To most, DST is simply an annoyance that might cause you to be late to work or sleep through an alarm. But for seniors, especially those diagnosed with any form of dementia, Daylight Saving Time can take a toll on both their physical and mental health. Heather Glen Senior Living is here to help you be prepared for what your loved ones might experience and how you can help prevent further risks. 

What to expect 

The biggest problem following the springtime time change, when the clock springs forward an hour, is the interruption of sleeping patterns. Losing an hour of sleep and the shift in sunrise and sunset times has an impact on your circadian rhythm—the natural, internal process that regulates sleep. For seniors, a shift in circadian rhythm often leads to drowsiness, which can cause issues related to general awareness, injury prevention, medication management and more. 

Furthermore, when individuals with dementia experience sleep pattern changes, they can experience dramatic and disruptive changes in behavior—such as noticeable agitation, confusion, wandering and increased anxiety.  

How to help 

There’s plenty of ways to help your loved one adjust to Daylight Saving Time that will in turn make them happier and healthier. These tips can also help improve their overall sleep quality, which is a huge aspect of senior health that is often overlooked. 

Seniors should avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and alcohol, on the days leading up to and following DST. These can make it more difficult for their circadian rhythm to regulate and adjust. 

Encourage exercise, especially outdoor exercise, the day of DST. Cardiovascular exercise (even short walks) in the late afternoon or early evening can help seniors fall asleep earlier. Additionally, researchers say that exposure to natural sunlight also helps to regulate your body’s sleep cycle. 

Avoiding naps in the afternoon might not always be ideal, but being more tired will obviously help your loved one fall asleep quicker and earlier to catch up on the hour they’ll lose. 

Who to trust 

If your loved one lives in the Lehigh Valley area and you can’t be around to help them out—or if you recognize they may need more care than you can handle—consider trusting their health and wellbeing with Heather Glen Senior Living. As the premier personal care community in the area, your loved one will receive 24/7 care from our highly qualified staff who will ensure their needs and wants are being met with enthusiasm. Residents with dementia can experience a customized plan specific to their needs in our Memory Care Community, designed to provide a homelike environment for each resident that is safe, secure and relaxing. 

Don’t sleep on the opportunity to help your loved one find the care they deserve in the Lehigh Valley. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact us online or call us at (610) 841-4478.