Sleep Recommendations for Older Adults

A 72-year-old female patient is admitted to the hospital with symptoms of insomnia. The nurse assesses the patient's sleep patterns and finds that she often awakens multiple times during the night and has difficulty falling back asleep. The nurse knows that promoting healthy sleep habits is essential for this patient's overall well-being. To effectively manage her insomnia, the nurse decides to educate the patient on the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

During the discussion, the nurse informs the patient that she should go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. The nurse tells the patient that it is recommended to aim for at least _______ hours of sleep per night to promote optimal health and prevent sleep-related issues.