A nurse is caring for a client who has a depressive disorder. The client states, "I don't always go to bed at night, so I get in trouble for falling asleep at work." Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend?

Introduction: Sleep hygiene is a critical component of behavioral therapy for depression, as circadian rhythm disruption can exacerbate mood instability and impair daytime functional productivity. A. Taking a 1-hour nap during the day is generally discouraged in sleep hygiene protocols for clients with insomnia or depressive disorders. Long naps can interfere with the drive to sleep at night, further disrupting the circadian rhythm and making it more difficult to establish a consistent nocturnal sleep pattern. B. Keeping a sleep diary is a highly effective intervention that allows the client and healthcare provider to identify patterns, triggers, and the actual duration of sleep. This data-driven approach helps in creating a structured routine, promoting accountability, and evaluating the effectiveness of sleep-related behavioral changes over time. C. Exercising late in the day, especially within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime, can be counterproductive. Physical activity increases core body temperature and stimulates the release of endorphins and cortisol, which can increase alertness and make it significantly more difficult for the client to initiate sleep at night. D. Discontinuing medication without medical supervision is dangerous and counter-therapeutic. Many antidepressants take weeks to reach therapeutic levels, and abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a significant relapse of depressive symptoms. The nurse should never advise a client to stop medications without consulting the prescribing physician.