A nurse is conducting a teaching session on types of sleep and wakefulness disorders. Which of the following classifications is characterized by abnormal behavioral, experiential, physiological, or psychological events occurring during sleep or sleep-wake transitions?

Choice A rationale:

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, often resulting in daytime impairments. The symptoms mentioned in the question, such as snoring loudly and waking up gasping for air, are more indicative of sleep apnea rather than insomnia. Insomnia does not typically involve loud snoring or gasping for air.

Choice B rationale:

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that involves excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep (called cataplexy), and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. While the client in the question reports waking up gasping for air and loud snoring, these symptoms are not characteristic of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy symptoms are more related to sudden sleep attacks and disruptions in REM sleep.

Choice C rationale:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that leads to an irresistible urge to move them, often occurring at rest and during the evening or nighttime. It can disrupt sleep due to the need to move the legs, but it does not typically cause loud snoring or waking up gasping for air. RLS is more associated with uncomfortable sensations in the legs rather than breathing-related symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Sleep apnea involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The client's symptoms of snoring loudly and waking up gasping for air are characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep, leading to temporary pauses in breathing.

Choice A rationale:

Exercising vigorously right before bedtime is not a recommended sleep hygiene practice. It can actually stimulate the body and make it harder to fall asleep. Exercising earlier in the day is more beneficial for improving sleep.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding exposure to bright light at night is a crucial sleep hygiene practice. Bright light, especially the blue light emitted by screens, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, making it harder to fall asleep.

Choice C rationale:

Using the bed for activities other than sleep can disrupt the association between the bed and sleep. It's important to create a mental connection between the bed and sleep to improve sleep quality. Engaging in activities like watching TV or working in bed can interfere with this association.

Choice D rationale:

Maintaining a regular bedtime and rising time helps regulate the body's internal clock and improves sleep quality. Consistency in sleep schedule reinforces the body's natural circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the desired times.

Choice E rationale:

Checking the phone frequently during the night is not a recommended sleep hygiene practice. The blue light emitted by phones can suppress melatonin production and disrupt sleep. Additionally, waking up to check the phone can fragment sleep and make it harder to achieve restful sleep.