Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | March 2026 • 5 • DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Managing Your Sleep During As we “spring forward” for Daylight Saving Time, we gain an extra hour of evening light—but we also lose an hour of sleep. That seemingly small shift can have a bigger impact than many realize. Even one hour of sleep disruption can affect alertness, balance, reaction time, mood, and overall cognitive function. Research has shown temporary increases in workplace errors, motor vehicle accidents, and even cardiovascular events in the days following the time change. For older adults, particularly those in skilled nursing or assisted living settings, sleep disruption and fatigue can significantly increase the risk of falls and related injuries. The risk is especially concerning because fatigue affects gait speed, judgment, coordination, and safety awareness. Residents who are already managing weakness, medications, visual impairments, or orthostatic hypotension may be even more vulnerable during this transition week. Staff members are not immune either—sleep deprivation can reduce attention to environmental hazards, safe transfer techniques, response times, increasing the potential for accidents across the care setting. To reduce risk during the time change, preparation is key. Gradually adjusting bedtime by 15–20 minutes earlier for several nights before the shift can ease the transition. Encouraging consistent sleep routines, limiting caffeine late in the day, promoting hydration, and ensuring proper lighting during early morning hours can improve alertness and safety. Therapy and nursing teams should remain especially vigilant with fall prevention strategies—reinforcing proper footwear, ensuring assistive devices are within reach, monitoring for dizziness, and reviewing high-risk residents. A proactive, team-based approach during this seasonal change can help protect both residents and staff while maintaining a safe environment of care. If you need have questions or concerns about your sleep routine, please contact the Broad River Rehab Team for guidance. Spring Forward! Time will Spring Forward one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8th . Please set your clocks AHEAD ONE HOUR before you go to bed Saturday night or when you wake up Sunday Morning.