A nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about healthy sleep habits. Which of the following statements by an adolescent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. “I should aim for about 9 hours of sleep each night to support my growth and metabolism.”: Adolescents require 8–10 hours of sleep per night for optimal physical growth, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. Regular, adequate sleep supports metabolism, learning, and overall health. B. “It's okay to use my phone right before bedtime as long as I turn it off after 10 minutes.”: Exposure to screens before bedtime can interfere with melatonin production and delay sleep onset, even for short periods. Limiting screen time before bed is recommended. C. "Adolescents can function well with irregular sleep patterns.": Irregular sleep schedules disrupt circadian rhythms, impair attention, memory, and mood, and are associated with long-term health issues. Consistency is important. D. “Sleeping in on weekends to catch up on sleep is the best way to maintain a healthy sleep routine.”: Sleeping in on weekends may temporarily reduce sleep debt but disrupts circadian rhythm and makes it harder to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.