How to Promote Better Sleep for Clients with Alzheimer's Disease

Which intervention should a nurse include in the care plan for a client with Alzheimer's disease to promote sleep?

• A. Encourage stimulating activities after dinner
• B. Encourage a late afternoon nap
• C. Offer a small snack at bedtime
• D. Offer hot chocolate at bedtime

Answer: (C)

Offering a small snack at bedtime is an effective intervention for promoting sleep in a client with Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that certain foods can have a calming effect and help facilitate better sleep. A light, small snack can potentially provide the necessary energy balance without being too heavy or disruptive to sleep. Additionally, it's important to acknowledge how various options could negatively impact sleep quality. Stimulating activities after dinner, for instance, are likely to increase alertness and make it harder for the client to wind down for sleep. Encouraging a late afternoon nap may interfere with nighttime sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia or restlessness during the night. Similarly, while hot chocolate can be comforting, it may not be the best option due to its caffeine content, depending on the individual's sensitivity, and could lead to difficulties falling asleep. In summary, providing a small snack before bed aligns with strategies for improving sleep in clients, especially in those with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, where routines and comfort can significantly impact their well-being.

To improve sleep quality in clients with Alzheimer's disease, it's crucial to adopt some thoughtful strategies, especially regarding their evening routine. So, what really works? Let’s break down one effective intervention that can be a game-changer: offering a small snack at bedtime.

Many are unaware that a simple bedtime snack can significantly help someone with Alzheimer's catch those elusive z's. Research has shown that certain foods can actually have a calming effect, helping clients drift off into a peaceful slumber. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want to head to bed on an empty stomach, right? A light snack can do wonders, providing just the right amount of comfort without being overly heavy.

Why Not Other Options?

You might wonder why other suggestions, like encouraging stimulating activities after dinner, don’t make the cut. Well, here’s the thing—those buzzy activities can ramp up alertness, which is the exact opposite of what someone needs to wind down for sleep. Instead of helping, they make it tougher for the brain to switch off.

Now, let’s address the idea of a late afternoon nap. While the notion of a quick snooze can seem enticing, it can wreak havoc on nighttime sleep patterns. Have you ever taken a nap that somehow turned into a full-on adventure that lasted too long? Yeah, those can lead to insomnia or restlessness as the night rolls in, leaving clients feeling more awake than ever.

And what about hot chocolate? Sure, it sounds cozy and comforting. But here’s a little insider scoop: depending on individual sensitivity, it might not be the best choice due to its caffeine content. Yes, caffeine! Even small amounts can mess up sleep cycles, especially in those who already have disrupted routines due to Alzheimer’s.

Incorporating a small snack before bed isn’t just practical; it’s part of a strategy that harmonizes with improving sleep in clients with Alzheimer’s disease. It aligns beautifully with their need for routine and comfort—two cornerstones for their well-being.

So, if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, next time you’re planning their evening, consider what a small snack can do. It’s a simple yet effective way to help them feel at ease as they drift off into a restorative sleep. After all, a little kindness goes a long way when we’re working with those we care for, doesn’t it?