For an older adult client having trouble sleeping at night, which intervention should be avoided?

In managing sleep difficulties in older adults, the administration of a sedative should generally be avoided due to the potential for significant side effects and risks associated with their use in this population. Older adults are often more sensitive to medications, and sedatives can lead to issues such as increased confusion, falls, and dependency. Additionally, sedatives may not address the underlying causes of sleep disturbances and can disrupt the natural sleep cycle, leading to longer-term reliance on these medications for sleep.

Instead, other interventions like sleep restriction therapy, relaxation therapy, and soft music are more appropriate as they focus on behavioral and environmental modifications that promote better sleep. These strategies help establish healthier sleep patterns without relying on pharmacological solutions, making them safer and more effective for older adults dealing with insomnia.