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

A. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway 1 hr before bedtime: Physical activity too close to bedtime can increase heart rate and body temperature, making it more difficult for the client to fall asleep. While ambulation is beneficial for overall health, it should be scheduled earlier in the day to promote sleep rather than interfere with it. B. Tell the client to avoid drinking fluids 1 hr before bedtime: Limiting fluids before bed may reduce nighttime awakenings due to urination, but it does not directly address the client’s difficulty falling asleep. This intervention can support sleep quality but is secondary to scheduling care and reducing disturbances. C. Schedule routine care tasks during hours when the client is awake: Performing nursing care while the client is awake minimizes nighttime interruptions and allows for uninterrupted rest. Prioritizing sleep hygiene by aligning care with the client’s natural sleep-wake cycle is an effective strategy to improve sleep onset and overall sleep quality. D. Advise the client to leave the television in the room on when trying to fall asleep: Leaving the television on provides light and auditory stimulation, which can interfere with melatonin release and delay sleep onset. This practice is counterproductive and can worsen difficulty falling asleep.