A nurse is teaching a client who reports insomnia. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Exercise stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and adrenaline, which can delay sleep onset if performed close to bedtime. However, stopping exercise 2-3 hours before sleep is recommended, as 30 minutes may be insufficient to allow physiological arousal to subside, potentially disrupting sleep initiation. Choice B reason: Removing the television from the bedroom reduces exposure to blue light, which suppresses melatonin production in the pineal gland, disrupting circadian rhythms. It also minimizes cognitive stimulation from engaging content, promoting a calm environment conducive to sleep, aligning with sleep hygiene principles for insomnia management. Choice C reason: A warm bedroom can disrupt sleep, as the body’s core temperature naturally drops to initiate sleep, regulated by the hypothalamus. A cooler room (60-67°F) supports this process, enhancing melatonin release and sleep quality, whereas warmth may increase wakefulness and reduce deep sleep stages. Choice D reason: A 1-hour nap can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, reducing sleep pressure at night. Long naps decrease adenosine buildup, a key driver of sleepiness, worsening insomnia. Short naps (20-30 minutes) may be beneficial, but extended naps interfere with nocturnal sleep consolidation, exacerbating insomnia symptoms.