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:

"I've noticed that I've been having trouble falling asleep at night.". This choice suggests difficulty falling asleep, which is a common symptom of sleep deprivation. However, it does not directly align with the reported impacts of sleep and wakefulness disorders mentioned in the question. The primary concern in this question is related to the potential impacts of sleep and wakefulness disorders, particularly on emotional and psychological well-being.

Choice B rationale:

"I've been taking melatonin supplements to help with my sleep.". This choice indicates the patient's use of melatonin supplements to improve sleep. While melatonin can be used to regulate sleep patterns, its usage does not directly address the emotional and psychological impacts of sleep deprivation that the patient is complaining about. The focus here is on the potential impacts of sleep and wakefulness disorders beyond just using supplements.

Choice C rationale:

"I've been having vivid dreams and nightmares during the night.". This is the correct choice. Vivid dreams and nightmares during the night can be indicative of disruptions in sleep patterns and quality. Sleep and wakefulness disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, can lead to fragmented sleep and an increased occurrence of vivid dreams and nightmares. These disruptions can contribute to feelings of anxiety and irritability, aligning with the patient's complaints.

Choice D rationale:

"I've been feeling really impatient and getting upset easily.". While irritability and impatience are potential consequences of sleep deprivation, this choice does not directly address the mention of vivid dreams and nightmares during the night. While irritability is a common symptom of sleep deprivation, the choice does not capture the emotional and psychological impacts of sleep and wakefulness disorders mentioned in the question.