Final answer:
To promote sleep in school-age children, the most effective nursing measure is to encourage quiet activities prior to bed time, fostering a calming routine that eases the transition into sleep.
Step-by-step explanation:
To promote sleep in school-age children, the best nursing measure is to encourage quiet activities prior to bed time. This recommendation aligns with sleep hygiene practices which emphasize the importance of creating an environment conducive to sleep and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime. Transitioning from high-energy activities to more calm and soothing routines helps signal the body and mind that it's time to wind down. Although keeping the room dark and quiet is also essential, encouraging quiet activities specifically targets the child's behavior leading up to bedtime, which can significantly influence their ability to fall asleep more readily.
Evening exercise, while beneficial for overall health, should be done earlier as it can be too stimulating and potentially interfere with sleep onset. Television watching before bed, especially involving bright screens, can suppress the natural production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, making it more difficult for children to fall asleep. Instead, activities such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or doing some gentle stretches can aid in creating a better sleep routine for a child.