Innovative Technologies Suggest Bright Days and Cooler Nights Can Enhance Sleep for Dementia Patients

Recent research led by the University of Surrey highlights the significant impact of indoor environments on sleep quality in individuals with dementia. By utilizing zero-burden technologies—such as under-the-mattress sensors, contactless bed occupancy monitoring, and environmental sensors—scientists analyzed over 26,000 days and nights of data to understand how light and temperature influence sleep patterns.

The study found that seasonal fluctuations in outdoor temperature and ambient light levels are reflected indoors, affecting sleep timing, duration, and heart rate. Specifically, hotter bedrooms during the night were associated with more disrupted sleep and increased breathing rates in dementia sufferers. Conversely, brighter indoor lighting during the day was linked to longer, more consolidated sleep and healthier breathing patterns.

Dementia-related sleep disturbances—like nighttime restlessness, excessive daytime napping, and circadian rhythm disruptions—adversely affect quality of life and can exacerbate cognitive decline. Adjusting indoor temperatures to cooler levels at night and increasing daylight exposure during the day may mitigate these issues, offering a simple yet effective way to improve well-being.

Professor Anne Skeldon emphasized that by analyzing long-term data in real home environments, this research provides valuable insights into how environmental modifications can reduce sleep disruptions. The non-intrusive sensors employed do not require wearables or recharging, allowing for continuous, long-term monitoring of physiological and environmental factors.

In collaboration with Imperial College London and healthcare partners, the team collected data from 70 individuals with dementia living independently. Findings revealed that many homes experience uniform heat levels year-round, suggesting that seasonal cooling and lighting adjustments could benefit sleep and energy efficiency. Moreover, individual sensitivities vary widely; some are more affected by environmental changes than others.

With climate change increasing the frequency of hot nights, ensuring cooler indoor temperatures and brighter daytime lighting could become essential strategies for enhancing the daily lives of those with dementia. As Professor Dijk noted, digital health technologies hold great potential for ongoing health monitoring, ultimately supporting healthier aging in the community.

For more details, see the full study: Seasonal and daily variation in indoor light and temperature are associated with sleep disturbance in dementia in the journal Sleep.