The Mystery of Sleep: How Nurses Can Help the Elderly

Course overview

Sufficient, quality sleep is critical for the health, well-being and quality of life for everyone in all age groups. Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep can lead to memory problems, depression, accidents and poor health. Sleep disorders in the elderly can go undiagnosed and untreated, as sleep problems are erroneously considered an inevitable part of aging. Not only does the prevalence of sleep disorders increase in the elderly, but a number of factors, including mental and physical illness, chronic disease, medications, limited exposure to light, inactivity, poor sleep hygiene, noise, pain and nocturia, also contribute to sleep disruption in this patient population. This educational activity will enhance your ability to identify sleep-related problems, correct misconceptions about sleep, provide sleep management patient education and make appropriate referrals to sleep specialists.