Activity 6.1: Guided practice

1. Along with the physical changes that occur as we get older, changes to our sleep patterns are a part of the normal ageing process. As people age they tend to have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep than when they were younger. It is a common misconception that sleep needs decline with age. In fact, research demonstrates that our sleep needs remain constant throughout adulthood. So, what's keeping seniors awake?
2. Changes in the patterns of our sleep-what specialists call 'sleep architecture' - occur as we age and this may contribute to sleep problems. Sleep occurs in multiple stages including dreamless periods of light and deep sleep, and occasional periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). The sleep cycle is repeated several times during the night and although total sleep time tends to remain constant, older people spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep.
3. Many older adults, though certainly not all, also report being less satisfied with sleep and more tired during the day. Studies on the sleep habits of older Americans show an increase in the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency). an overall decline in REM sleep, and an increase in sleep fragmentation (waking up during the night) with age.
4. The prevalence of sleep disorders also tends to increase with age. However, research suggests that much of the sleep disturbance among the elderly can be attributed to physical and psychiatric illnesses and the medications used to treat them.
5. The prevalence of insomnia is also higher among older adults. According to NSF's 2003 Sleep in America poll, 44 per cent of older persons experience one or more of the night time symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights per week or more. Insomnia may be chronic [lasting over one month) or acute (lasting a few days or weeks) and is oftentimes related to an underlying cause such as a medical or psychiatric condition. It is worthwhile to speak to your doctor about insomnia symptoms and about any effects these symptoms may have. Your doctor can help assess how serious a problem it is and what to do about it.
6. As we age, there is an increased incidence of medical problems, which are often chronic. In general, people with poor health or chronic medical conditions have more sleep problems.

Now, read the following three text outlines.
Indicate which of these three outlines matches the above passage most accurately

Text outline (a)

Text outline (b)

Text outline (c)

Now complete the table below. You will need to read one question at a time and underline the key words in the question.
Next, locate the relevant paragraph and the sentence in the reading passage with the answer.
From here you will choose and copy only the two or three most appropriate words as an answer to the given question.