NCLEX-RNBasic Care and ComfortEasy
A client tells the nurse, "I have trouble falling asleep every night." Which teaching by the nurse best promotes healthy sleep hygiene?
- A"Exercise vigorously right before bedtime to tire your body out."
- B"Watch television in bed until you feel sleepy."
- C"Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends."
- D"Drink a cup of coffee in the evening to help you relax."
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. "Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends."
A consistent sleep-wake schedule reinforces the body's circadian rhythm and is one of the most effective non-pharmacologic strategies for improving sleep quality.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Vigorous exercise close to bedtime raises heart rate and body temperature, delaying sleep onset.
- B. Screen use in bed exposes the client to blue light and disrupts the sleep-wake association with the bed.
- D. Caffeine is a stimulant and worsens insomnia, especially in the evening.
Sleep Hygiene
A set of behavioral practices that promote consistent, restorative sleep.
- Maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule daily
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and heavy exercise close to bedtime
- Reserve the bed for sleep only, avoid screens in bed
Memory trick: Same clock, same rock — steady sleep schedule builds a steady body clock.