Which is a non-pharmacologic strategy to reduce falls at night?

Which is a non-pharmacologic strategy to reduce falls at night?

• A. Nightlight use.
• B. High-dose sedatives at night.
• C. Leaving lights off to encourage sleep.
• D. Railing removal to ease movement.

Answer: (A)

Providing low-level illumination at night helps prevent falls by preserving visible cues as you move through the home in darkness. A nightlight keeps pathways—like stairs, doorways, and the bathroom—softly lit, so you can see steps, edges, and spills before you reach them. This supports deliberate, stable movement and reduces the risk of tripping or misjudging steps. It’s a nonpharmacologic approach that doesn’t affect balance or alertness the way sedating medications can. Conversely, leaving lights off or removing railing supports increases hazards and makes navigation riskier. So, using a nightlight along the route to the bathroom and in hallways is an effective strategy to reduce nocturnal falls.

Providing low-level illumination at night helps prevent falls by preserving visible cues as you move through the home in darkness. A nightlight keeps pathways—like stairs, doorways, and the bathroom—softly lit, so you can see steps, edges, and spills before you reach them. This supports deliberate, stable movement and reduces the risk of tripping or misjudging steps. It’s a nonpharmacologic approach that doesn’t affect balance or alertness the way sedating medications can. Conversely, leaving lights off or removing railing supports increases hazards and makes navigation riskier. So, using a nightlight along the route to the bathroom and in hallways is an effective strategy to reduce nocturnal falls.