Rest and Sleep

Is it morning already?
photo copyright carol b. allen

Study/Discussion Questions:
1. Describe the sleep cycle. What happens when this cycle is disturbed? What are some factors that contribute to disturbance of the sleep cycle? What are the consequences of disturbances of the sleep cycle.
2. Describe the normal sleep requirements and patterns for persons at various developmental levels.
3. What are the physical, environmental, and mental conditions required for proper sleep.
4. Compare and contrast the types of insomnia. Discuss assessment and interventions for each type. What are the two types of sleep apnea? Who is at risk for this problem? What are common treatments?
5. Discuss the effects of sleep deprivation.
6. Use the symptom analysis format or questionnaire to assess a sleep problem.
7. Identify three-part NANDA diagnoses for clients with sleep pattern disturbances.
8. State outcomes for clients with sleep pattern disturbances. Describe interventions for persons with sleep pattern disturbances who are in a health care facility and who are at home.
9. Discuss the indications and relative contraindications for the use of either OTC or prescription medications for sleep disorders.

Case: Mrs. J. is 78 years old. You visit her at home. She tells you that she normally sleeps only about 7 hours. She awakens as many as three times per night and sometimes takes as much as 1/2 hour to fall asleep initially and after each awakening. She wonders if a prescription or OTC sleeping medication might help correct this problem.
What will you tell Mrs. J. about her sleep problem?

What will you tell Mrs. J. about taking sleeping medication?

What recommendations will you make to Mrs. J. for things she might do to improve her sleep?

Interesting web sites:

For more information about sleep apnea:
http://members.aol.com/blackcover/csa.html

Sleep problems: American Sleep Disorders Association:
http://www.asda.org

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Syllabus