There are several factors that affect sleep. Some of the factors are modifiable, while others cannot be modified because they are part of their growth (Townsend-Roccichelli, …show more content…
Insomnia can present as difficulty on the onset of sleep, maintenance of sleep, or sleep that is non-restorative (Postawski, 2011). These presentations can further be classified as either short-term or chronic insomnia (Postawski, 2011). Most cases of short-term insomnia last only a few days, and reflect the natural occurrences, stress, social problems or finance (Postawski, 2011). On the contrary, chronic insomnia manifests as regular sleeping problems that are accompanied by significant distress or impairment. Depression is a major risk factor for insomnia (Townsend-Roccichelli, Stanford, & Vandewaa, 2010). The two are synergistic to an older patient, and their occurrence is the reason older patients seek treatment. In addition to insomnia depression can result in daytime sleepiness (Townsend-Roccichelli, Stanford, & Vandewaa, …show more content…
Nurses play a key role in creating awareness, and it is upon them to enlighten people possible measures of managing the condition. Sleep has serious implications on health, and it is important to identify and correct complications in time. Patient education should be provided. The older people should be taught and encouraged to use non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep. Education is also important in drug compliance for those who are on medication. In addition, counselling should also be done on patients who have stress to help them cope and regain their normal sleeping