Which of the following may improve the sleep of an older adult client?

Which of the following may improve the sleep of an older adult client?

1. Drinking an alcoholic beverage before bedtime
2. Using an over-the-counter sleeping agent
3. Eliminating naps during the day
4. Going to bed at a consistent time even if not feeling sleepy

ANSWER

ANS: 3
To promote sleep, daytime naps should be eliminated. If naps are used, they should be limited to 20 minutes or less twice a day. Alcohol should be limited in the late afternoon and evening be-cause it has an insomnia-producing effect. The use of nonprescription sleeping medications is not advisable. Over the long term, these drugs can lead to further sleep disruption even when they initially seemed to be effective. Following a bedtime routine should be consistent, not necessarily going to bed. The client should engage in quiet activities that promote relaxation and then may go to bed. If the client has not fallen asleep in 30 minutes, the client should get up out of bed and do some quiet activity until feeling sleepy enough to go back to bed.