This Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time – at 2 a.m., the clocks will fall back one hour. When the clocks change, even a small shift can feel big for caregivers and families in hospice care. Many patients depend on steady daily rhythms for comfort—especially when it comes to rest, meals, and medication. A sudden time change can throw off those patterns and increase confusion or restlessness, particularly for those living with dementia.
A few simple steps can make the transition easier:
- Ease into it. Gradually move routines—like meals or bedtime—by 10–15 minutes each day leading up to the time change.
- Use light to guide the day. Open curtains in the morning and dim lights at night to help signal wake and rest times.
- Keep familiar rhythms. Stick to comforting habits and predictable activities to maintain a sense of stability.
And don’t forget to care for yourself, too. A change in sleep can affect your energy and mood, so give yourself grace and rest where you can.
If your loved one seems unsettled or has trouble sleeping, your Hospice of the Chesapeake care team is here to help with guidance, reassurance, and adjustments to support comfort for both of you.