A nurse is caring for a client who reports difficulty falling asleep at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Ambulating in the hallway 1 hour before bedtime may increase stimulation and alertness, making it harder for the client to fall asleep. While exercise is beneficial earlier in the day, late evening activity can interfere with sleep onset. Choice B reason: Avoiding fluids before bedtime helps reduce nocturia but does not directly address difficulty falling asleep. This intervention is more appropriate for clients with frequent nighttime urination rather than insomnia. Choice C reason: Scheduling routine care tasks during hours when the client is awake is the correct answer because it minimizes nighttime disturbances. By aligning care with the client’s natural wakefulness, the nurse promotes uninterrupted rest and supports healthy sleep hygiene. This intervention directly addresses difficulty falling asleep by reducing external interruptions. Choice D reason: Leaving the television on at night introduces light and noise, both of which disrupt melatonin secretion and sleep quality. Television use before bed is linked to delayed sleep onset and poor sleep efficiency.