Gerontological Nursing Module 8: Stages of Sleep

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What is the primary function of the N3 stage of Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep?

Tissue growth and repair, and energy restoration

What is the significance of sleep in relation to general health, and how should it be addressed?

Sleep is a vital function that affects cognition and performance, and attention to sleep concerns should receive as much attention as other vital signs

What is the characteristic of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep that supports daytime performance?

Provides energy to brain and body

What is the potential consequence of sleep disorders, and why is it important to address sleep concerns?

Mortality, and sleep disorders can be a risk factor for dementia Signup and view all the answers

What is the neural mechanism that regulates sleep, and how does it impact aging and sleep patterns?

Not explicitly stated in the text, but it can be inferred that the neural mechanism regulates sleep stages, such as NREM and REM, which are affected by aging Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of the enhanced removal of waste products during sleep, according to research on sleep physiology?

The restorative function of sleep Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal sleep duration in adults for good health, according to research at a population level?

7 to 9 hours per 24-hour period Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of incident dementia associated with sleeping fewer than 5 hours a night, according to a recent study?

Twofold greater risk Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine?

The subjective perception of difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality that results in some form of daytime impairment Signup and view all the answers

What is the association between poor sleep quality and risk of all-cause mortality, according to research?

Poor sleep quality contributes to increased risk of all-cause mortality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when performing a nursing assessment for sleep disorders in older adults, particularly those with dementia?

Contributing factors to poor sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep, nighttime awakenings, and sleep patterns. Signup and view all the answers

How can invasive treatments impact sleep quality in older adults, and what can be done to mitigate this effect?

Invasive treatments can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep disturbances. Discontinuing these treatments when possible can help promote better sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of assessing sleep patterns in older adults, particularly in terms of dementia risk factors?

Assessing sleep patterns can help identify potential risk factors for dementia, as sleep disturbances are a common precursor to dementia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sleep disorders and mortality in older adults, and what implications does this have for nursing practice?

Sleep disorders are associated with increased mortality in older adults. Nurses can play a critical role in promoting sleep health and reducing mortality risk. Signup and view all the answers

What neural mechanisms are involved in sleep regulation, and how can nurses support these mechanisms in older adults?

Neural mechanisms involved in sleep regulation include the suprachiasmatic nucleus, melatonin, and sleep-wake homeostasis. Nurses can support these mechanisms through the use of light therapy, relaxation techniques, and sleep-conducive environments. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of declines in N3 sleep for cognitive function in older adults, and how does this relate to the importance of REM sleep in this age group?

Declines in N3 sleep are associated with fragmented sleep and early awakening, which can impact cognitive function. REM sleep, which is important for replenishing neurotransmitters essential for remembering, learning, and problem-solving, becomes even more crucial for older adults as N3 sleep declines. Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in sleep patterns in healthy adults contribute to the development of insomnia, and what are the key age-related milestones in this process?

Changes in sleep patterns, including increased time spent in bed awake, frequent awakenings, and reduced sleep efficiency, contribute to the development of insomnia. These changes typically begin between 40 and 60 years of age, with significant declines in sleep quality and increased sleep disruptions occurring after 50 years of age. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sleep disorders and risk of dementia, and how do changes in sleep patterns contribute to this risk?

Sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep disruptions, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Changes in sleep patterns, including declines in N3 sleep and increased time spent in lighter stages of sleep, can contribute to this risk by disrupting neural mechanisms and increasing oxidative stress. Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in sleep patterns contribute to increased mortality in older adults, and what are the key underlying mechanisms?

Changes in sleep patterns, including reduced sleep quality, increased sleep disruptions, and decreased sleep duration, have been linked to increased mortality in older adults. Underlying mechanisms include increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease risk, as well as decreased immune function and glucose regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key neural mechanisms underlying sleep regulation, and how do these mechanisms change with age?

The neural mechanisms underlying sleep regulation involve the complex interplay of neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain regions, including the hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, and cerebral cortex. With age, changes in these mechanisms, including declines in melatonin and increases in inflammatory markers, can disrupt sleep regulation and contribute to sleep disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What are the diagnostic criteria for insomnia, and how does it impact daily functioning?

Difficulty getting to sleep, resulting in daytime dysfunction, in an individual who has an adequate opportunity to sleep. Signup and view all the answers

How does the deterioration of the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus contribute to sleep disruption in individuals with dementia?

The loss of neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus makes it difficult for the person to sleep, and the greater the loss, the more severe the sleep problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of multiple brain centers in promoting sleep and wakefulness, and how does their dysfunction contribute to insomnia?

Multiple brain centers work together to promote sleep and wakefulness, and a decrease in the function of the sleep-wake switch can contribute to insomnia. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sleep-wake cycle change with aging, and what are the implications for mortality?

The sleep-wake cycle changes with aging, leading to decreased sleep quality and duration, which can increase the risk of mortality. Signup and view all the answers

What strategies can be used to enhance sleep for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and how do they address the underlying neural mechanisms of sleep regulation?

Strategies such as providing sunlight exposure, low-level physical activity, and meaningful activities during the day can enhance sleep, and addressing the underlying neural mechanisms of sleep regulation, such as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, can help improve sleep quality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three conditions under which medications for chronic insomnia should be considered, according to national guidelines?

patients who are unable to participate in CBTI, patients who still have symptoms after this therapy, or those who require a temporary adjunct to CBTI Signup and view all the answers

What is the strong suggestion of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria regarding the use of benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia in older adults?

avoiding any type of benzodiazepine due to association with adverse outcomes such as motor vehicle accidents, impaired cognition, and falls Signup and view all the answers

What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea that are associated with lifestyle choices?

excess weight, use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers, and smoking Signup and view all the answers

How does the assessment of sleep concerns impact the initiation of pharmacological treatment for chronic insomnia?

A thorough assessment of sleep concerns is necessary before pharmacological treatment is initiated Signup and view all the answers

What demographic factor is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, but is less significant in older adults?

increased neck circumference Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential contributing factor to Mrs. Johnson's increase in confusion in the step-down unit, and how can it be addressed?

A possible cause of Mrs. Johnson's increase in confusion is sleep deprivation due to environmental factors such as noise and disrupted sleep patterns. This can be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach to identify and modify sources of noise and light, ensuring patients complete a full sleep cycle of 90 minutes before being awakened. Signup and view all the answers

How does the decline in REM sleep with age impact older adults, and what is the significance of this stage of sleep?

The decline in REM sleep with age can impact older adults' ability to remember, learn, and problem solve, as REM sleep is essential for replenishing neurotransmitters crucial for these cognitive functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sleep deprivation and dementia risk, and how can nurses play a role in mitigating this risk?

Sleep deprivation can potentially exacerbate delirium and increase the risk of dementia. Nurses can play a crucial role in mitigating this risk by promoting sleep quality, reducing noise and light disruptions, and ensuring patients complete a full sleep cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sleep cycles in the hospital setting, and how can nurses ensure patients complete a full cycle?

Sleep cycles are essential for patients' sleep quality and overall health. Nurses can ensure patients complete a full sleep cycle by minimizing awakenings for nonemergency reasons and allowing patients to complete a full 90-minute sleep cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of sleep disorders on mortality rates, and why is it essential to address sleep concerns in older adults?

Sleep disorders can increase the risk of mortality in older adults. It is essential to address sleep concerns to reduce the risk of sleep disorders, promote better sleep quality, and improve overall health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the neural mechanism in regulating sleep, and how does it impact aging and sleep patterns?

The neural mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating sleep, and its dysfunction can impact aging and sleep patterns. In older adults, the neural mechanism can lead to changes in sleep patterns, such as increased transitions between N1 and N2 stages. Signup and view all the answers

How can nurses identify and address sources of noise and light in the hospital setting to promote sleep quality?

Nurses can identify and address sources of noise and light through a multidisciplinary approach, modifying the environment to reduce disruptions and promoting sleep quality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function in older adults, and how can it be addressed?

Sleep deprivation can impact cognitive function in older adults, leading to confusion, delirium, and increased risk of dementia. It can be addressed through strategies to promote sleep quality, such as minimizing noise and light disruptions and ensuring patients complete a full sleep cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sleep patterns and dementia risk, and how can healthcare professionals reduce this risk?

Disrupted sleep patterns can increase the risk of dementia. Healthcare professionals can reduce this risk by promoting sleep quality, addressing sleep disorders, and minimizing sleep disruptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of promoting sleep quality in the hospital setting, and how can nurses contribute to this effort?

Promoting sleep quality in the hospital setting is essential for reducing the risk of sleep disorders, cognitive decline, and mortality. Nurses can contribute to this effort by minimizing sleep disruptions, promoting sleep cycles, and addressing sleep concerns. Signup and view all the answers