Sleep needs and caffeine timing in an older adult

Question

Complete the statement about sleep teaching for an older adult.

A 72-year-old client says, "At my age I only need about 5 hours of sleep, so I drink coffee after dinner to stay up for the late news." The nurse explains that older adults need about as much sleep as younger adults and suggests that the client avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.

• Blank 1 choices: about as much sleep as younger adults / much less sleep than younger adults / at least 10 hours of sleep a night
• Blank 2 choices: avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening / switch to an energy drink after dinner / have a second cup of coffee closer to bedtime

Answer

Blank 1: about as much sleep as younger adults · Blank 2: avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening

Rationale

Recommended sleep for adults 65 and older, about 7 to 8 hours, is close to the amount advised for younger adults, and the idea that people need far less sleep as they age has no evidence behind it, even though sleep in later life tends to be lighter. Caffeine is a stimulant whose effects may persist for as long as 8 hours, so an evening cup of coffee can keep the client awake; caffeinated drinks, including energy drinks, are best avoided later in the day.