This forthcoming Sunday, March 9 will mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Here’s a friendly reminder to turn your clocks ahead at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning (Saturday night). For most of us, the whole “spring forward” routine may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, for older adults, the shift can have a more significant impact. The time change can negatively affect their daily routines, health and well-being.
Sleep disruptions and health implications.
Naturally, one of the most immediate effects of Daylight Saving Time is a disruption to sleep patterns. Seniors are often more sensitive to changes in their sleep schedule. This is due to age-related shifts in circadian rhythms. With one hour less sleep, older adults may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to increased fatigue, cognitive impairment and mood changes.
“Studies have shown that people lose as much as 40 minutes to an hour of sleep in the initial days after a time adjustment,” reports Florida’s Accessible Home Health Care, “Not being able to keep a typical sleep routine can lead to a decrease in memory strength. It creates a disconnect in our brains. When we are tired, we have a harder time getting thoughts to flow together coherently, which leads to confusion and frustration.”
It’s good idea for seniors to make adjustments to their sleep schedules in advance of Sunday. Rather than trying to make the full one-hour change all at once, adjust the sleep schedule by 15 minutes each day in the days leading up to the time change.
Increased risk of falls and injuries.
Older adults are already at a higher risk of falls. The disrupted sleep schedule caused by DST can exacerbate this risk. With less sleep, older adults may feel drowsy. This can impair their reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents. As well, Daylight Saving Time shifts daylight hours, meaning the mornings are darker for longer periods of time. This reduction in natural light, early in the day, can make it harder for seniors to see obstacles or hazards.
Jason of Health and Wellness Canada also points out that there are cardiovascular risks associated with DST. “Studies have found a notable increase in heart attacks during the first few days following the spring time change, particularly on the Monday immediately after,” he writes, “This rise is attributed to the disruption of our body’s natural circadian rhythm and the loss of sleep.”
Disrupted medication schedules.
Many older adults take medications at specific times of the day. The shift in the clock can throw off their regular schedules. For example, if a senior takes medication at 8 a.m., the new 8 a.m. time after the shift could fall outside of his or her regular window. A disruption in the medication schedule could lead to health complications. Seniors who take medications should review their schedules in advance. It’s wise for them to speak with their healthcare providers to ensure that the time change doesn’t interfere with their routines.
By taking proactive steps to adjust to the forthcoming time change, seniors can minimize its impact and maintain their health and well-being. For those who rely on mobility solutions such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and rollators, maintaining a consistent routine can go a long way toward preventing accidents and maintaining independence.
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