An older patient is relocating to the home of her daughter who wants to modify the home environment to suit her mother's needs. What information should the nurse provide to the daughter to address the patient's age-related sleeping needs?

Question

A) Older people are less active during the day and require less sleep at night.
B) Older people are not affected by age-related changes but may have some individual needs.
C) Older people stay awake very late into the night and as a result usually sleep late in the morning.
D) Older people sleep less soundly and may awaken to noises that would not cause the same reaction in younger adults.

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
The normal aging process has minimal effect on quantity of sleep, but that is not true of quality of sleep. Older people sleep less soundly and are prone to early rising and falling asleep early in the evening. Older individuals are more likely to be awakened by noises that may not cause a reaction in younger adults.