Sleep and aging.

Synthesis of studies of sleep and aging show major increases occur in nighttime awakening and major decreases occur in sleep depth over the life span. Fatigue and drowsiness during the day, with increased napping, and earlier bedtimes, are also prevalent in the elderly. Interventions that impact these sleep variables, as well as sleep variables that change less dramatically, are needed. All indications are that the promotion of restorative sleep and daytime well-being in older adults will continue to be an important part of nursing practice affecting even more people as the population ages. Although nurses have only begun to identify and study interventions that promote sleep in nursing environments, nursing is in a position to make major contributions to the health and well-being of older adults who experience sleep disruption, especially sleep disruptions secondary to illness and aging.