Sleep, Rest, and Activity Chapter Ten Sleep, Rest, and Activity

Activity Promotes life physically and psychologically Activity improves functioning of heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system, and digestive system. For example walking through a park or short distances several times a day can help build endurance; yoga helps with flexibility Activity improves feelings of self-satisfaction. Older adults must be encouraged to do as much activity for themselves as possible. For example brushing hair will help arm mobility Plan activity specific for the older adult and help to reach a 15 min physical activity target. Many adults may believe that exercise is not necessary

Which nursing action is considered appropriate when bathing an older adult? Rush him or her to finish quicker. Take your time and complete the task. Encourage the patient to do as much as he or she can himself or herself. Allow the patient to complete some tasks, but complete the more difficult tasks for him or her.

Answer C. Encourage the patient to do as much as he or she can himself or herself.

Rest Older adults have special rest needs. They may have to modify activity to help them be able to stay energized throughout the day. Rest may be affected by pain and stress. Pain Decreases rest and activity Should be assessed Stress Affects ability to rest Attempts made to eliminate stress

Sleep Sleep is important for quality of health. Many older adults need more sleep than they get. If not getting enough sleep may show confusion Two types of sleep Rapid eye movement (REM) Non–rapid eye movement (NREM) Circadian rhythm has impact on sleep cycle. Normal physiological change causes many older people to want to stay up late so that they do not wake up early

Which of the following is true regarding the sleep of older adults? Older adults need less sleep. Older adults often awaken earlier. Older adults achieve deep sleep quicker. Older adults do not need daytime naps.

Answer B. Older adults often awaken earlier.

Sleep (cont’d) Sleep disorders affect older adults. Insomnia Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep Feeling like not getting enough sleep Try to provide uninterrupted sleep assist with ability to get restorative sleep Sleep apnea is a form of insomnia happens often to overweight adults or adults with pain, therefore affecting their sleep. Should assess how slept.

Sleep (cont’d) Other causes of insomnia Frequent urination GERD-raise head of bed COPD CHF Nocturnal movement Restless legs syndrome Nocturnal myoclonus

Sleep (cont’d) Dementia causes disruption in sleep. Psychological conditions can be detrimental to sleep patterns. May nap often if depressed or bored, may need to be investigated more Contributions to poor-quality sleep Sedentary lifestyle Alcohol and tobacco Caffeine intake in the evening Noise and light

Which intervention is appropriate to improve the quality of the older adult’s sleep? Encourage activity as tolerated. Provide him or her with a sedative. Encourage him or her to stay up later. Discourage the use of caffeine in the evening.

Answer D. Discourage the use of caffeine in the evening.