A nurse is providing education to a group of patients in a sleep clinic about sleep hygiene measures. Which of the following statements accurately represents a sleep hygiene recommendation for promoting better sleep quality?

Choice A rationale:

Enhanced mood and behavior. Enhanced mood and behavior are not potential consequences of sleep deprivation. Instead, sleep deprivation is often linked to mood disturbances such as irritability, mood swings, and increased stress. Lack of sleep can negatively impact emotional well-being and behavior.

Choice B rationale:

Improved communication skills. Improved communication skills are not a potential consequence of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions, including communication skills. Individuals who are sleep-deprived may experience difficulties in articulating thoughts, concentrating, and engaging in effective communication.

Choice C rationale:

Reduced work performance. This is one of the correct answers. Sleep deprivation can significantly reduce work performance. Cognitive deficits resulting from lack of sleep can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, and impaired concentration. This can have a negative impact on work-related tasks and responsibilities.

Choice D rationale:

Increased appetite regulation. This is another correct answer. Sleep deprivation can disrupt the body's appetite regulation mechanisms. It leads to hormonal changes that increase the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, and decrease the production of leptin, a hormone that signals satiety. As a result, sleep-deprived individuals often experience increased hunger and cravings.

Choice E rationale:

Altered hormonal levels. This is the third correct answer. Sleep deprivation can disrupt the normal balance of hormones in the body. It can lead to changes in hormones such as cortisol (the stress hormone) and growth hormone. These hormonal disruptions can have widespread effects on various physiological processes, including metabolism, stress response, and immune function.

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.