Finding Calm as the Days Grow Shorter

by Janet Williams, CDP, CADDCT, CMC

Owner - StilMee Florida

In just a few weeks, the clocks will roll back on November 2, 2025, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. For most of us, this means an extra hour of sleep and earlier sunsets. We pull the curtains, click on the lamps, and begin to notice the rhythm of our evenings change.

For families and professionals supporting someone with dementia, however, this seasonal shift can bring added challenges. The fading light and earlier darkness sometimes trigger restlessness, confusion, or agitation. These behaviors are often described with the single word “sundowning.”

But here’s the thing: labels can oversimplify. Instead of helping us understand, they can lead us to stop asking the most important question—why?

Beyond the Label: Looking Closer

When someone with dementia becomes unsettled in the evening, it’s not always because of the time of day itself. More often, it’s about how the environment and body are responding to the change.

• Lighting: Is the room dim or filled with confusing shadows?

• Noise: Are background sounds creating stress?

• Temperature: Could the person be too hot or too cold?

• Physical needs: Are they hungry, thirsty, or in need of rest?

• Emotional needs: Could they be feeling lonely, anxious, or bored?

By shifting from “that’s just sundowning” to “what might they be experiencing?” we open the door to empathy, creativity, and solutions that bring comfort.

Practical Ways to Ease the Transition

With the time change approaching, this is the perfect moment to prepare for smoother evenings; the opportunity to find calm when the days grow shorter. A few small adjustments can make a big difference:

✨ Brighten the room — Turn on lamps before dusk to reduce harsh contrasts and shadows.

✨ Close curtains early — Reflections in windows can look like strangers and cause fear.

✨ Keep routines steady — Familiar cues, like a favorite chair, warm drink, or soft music, signal that all is well.

✨ Offer comfort items — A light snack, cozy blanket, or calming activity can provide reassurance.

✨ Stay present — Sometimes the best support is simply sitting nearby with patience and kindness.

A Season for Reflection

Autumn naturally encourages us to slow down, savor cozy moments, and lean into connection. When caring for someone with dementia, the changing season becomes an opportunity to re-evaluate our routines. Are they still working? Do they still bring peace?

By noticing small shifts and responding with care, we can help transform evenings from moments of stress into times of warmth and security.

Looking Ahead

The time change on November 2nd is just one day on the calendar, but the adjustments we make now can carry us through the darker months with more ease. For people living with dementia—and for those who love and support them—being intentional about light, routine, and comfort can turn these shorter days into opportunities for peace.

💬 I’d love to hear from you: What tips or traditions do you use to create calm evenings as the seasons change? Share in the comments below!

#DementiaCare #EveningCalm #PersonCentredCare #CompassionInAction #FallTimeChange #CaregiverSupport #DementiaAwareness