Sleep and Dementia in Spring: How to Stop Longer Days Causing Disruption

Lighter mornings and longer evenings are good news for most of us, but any form of change can be confronting for people living with dementia. 

Seasonal changes can create unexpected challenges, and sleep is one of them.

Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it from causing disruption helps families and carers provide reassurance and gentle support during the transition into spring.

Why do seasonal changes affect sleep in dementia?

People living with dementia often experience poor sleep, particularly if they have Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia, where a reduction in melatonin production can cause insomnia or frequent waking. 

During spring, longer daylight hours can disrupt sleep even more, with brighter evenings making it harder to recognise when it is time to wind down, and lighter mornings prompting earlier wake-up times. 

For someone already experiencing confusion or restlessness, this can increase sleep disturbances. Common changes may include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking frequently during the night
• Early morning waking
• Increased daytime tiredness
• Heightened confusion or agitation in the evening.

About sundowning

Sleep disruptions can also contribute to what’s known as “sundowning”.

Sundowning is a pattern of behaviour which sees symptoms like anxiety, pacing, or irritability worsen later in the day. It can sometimes carry on into the night, affecting sleep.

However, it’s not necessarily connected to the sunset, and it doesn’t always happen towards the end of the day. The causes are unclear, but it could be connected to hunger, fatigue, overstimulation, mood disorders, or medication.

Avoid or reduce sundowning by keeping routines consistent, lowering lights towards the end of the day, and ensuring all physical needs are met, even if they’re struggling to communicate what they may be (i.e toilet, hunger).

Can poor sleep increase your risk of dementia?

Research has suggested how you sleep in your 50s and 60s could cause an increased risk of dementia later on.

And it’s not just a lack of sleep that increases the risk – too much sleep has also been associated with an increased risk factor.

However, researchers say it’s difficult to say whether changes to sleep patterns contributed to dementia, or were an indication of symptoms showing up earlier in life.

Good sleep hygiene has physical and mental benefits for everyone, so there’s never a downside to creating a healthy routine that improves sleep and rest.

The role of routine and familiarity

So, back to spring.

For most people, spring can put… well, a spring in our step! As the sunshine reappears, we often find ourselves getting out and about more – visiting friends, taking trips, planning days out, picking up old hobbies, attending more social gatherings.

While this can be lovely, consistency is key for people with dementia. Even a seemingly minor disruption can impact sleep quality.

Maintaining familiar routines provides a sense of safety and predictability. So, make sure you stick to regular times for meals, activities, and bedtimes to support a more stable sleep pattern.

How light levels influence sleep

Natural light is important for wellbeing and can help regulate mood and energy for all of us. However, too much stimulation later in the day can make it harder to settle.

Our tips for managing light levels in spring:

• Encourage time outdoors earlier in the day
• Reduce bright lighting and screen use in the evening
• Close curtains or blinds before bedtime to create a calm, darker environment
• Use soft lighting to signal that the day is winding down.

All of these gentle cues will tell the brain it’s almost bedtime. 

Supporting better sleep in spring

There is no single solution, but small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

• Create a calming bedtime routine, such as listening to music or reading together (and stick to it!)
• Avoid caffeine and large meals later on in the day
• Encourage light physical activity during daylight hours
• Keep the bedroom comfortable, quiet, and familiar
• Offer calm reassurance if the person wakes during the night.

It’s also important for carers to look after their own sleep and wellbeing. Night-time disturbances can be exhausting, so don’t neglect your own need for a good night’s sleep.

Seeking further advice about sleep and dementia

If sleep problems are becoming severe or causing increased distress and disruption, it may be helpful to speak with a GP or dementia specialist.

Sometimes sleep disruption can be linked to pain, medication changes, or other health issues that need attention, so it’s always better to get it checked out if it’s causing concern.

A gentle transition into the new season for people with dementia

Spring can be a joyful and uplifting time for people living with dementia. With thoughtful adjustments and an understanding of how longer days affect sleep, families and carers can help create a calmer, more comfortable experience.

By tuning into individual needs and keeping routines steady, it is possible to support better rest and make the most of the brighter days ahead.

A Good Day was founded by Emily and Matt Tyler after experiencing dementia in their family. Now, they create dementia-friendly games and activities to sprinkle joy into the days of people living with dementia. Why not try our seasonal Spring Memories jigsaw to encourage a positive transition into the season?