Question

A 63 year old client is discussing the recent problem the client is experiencing with falling asleep. The nurse is discussing strategies to minimize this problem. Which of the following bedtime snacks would be the most likely to induce sleep?

A. One slice of cheese on four wheat crackers and a glass of skim milk
B. Two cups or air-popped popcorn and a glass of fruit juice
C. Two fig cookies and a cup of decaffeinated tea
D. One small pear and a glass of soy milk

Answer 1

The most sleep-inducing bedtime snack for a client with difficulty falling asleep is A. One slice of cheese on four wheat crackers and a glass of skim milk, due to the tryptophan contained in cheese and milk that aids in the production of melatonin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best bedtime snack option to induce sleep for a 63-year-old client experiencing trouble falling asleep is A. One slice of cheese on four wheat crackers and a glass of skim milk. Cheese contains tryptophan, a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin, and milk has been traditionally used as a sleep inducer because of its tryptophan content and the psychological comfort associated with it. The combination of these with the carbohydrate from the wheat crackers may help in the release of insulin, which can aid in the process of tryptophan reaching the brain.

Popcorn and fruit juice (option B) may be too high in sugar, which can lead to fluctuating blood sugar levels during the night and potential sleep disturbances. Fig cookies and decaffeinated tea (option C) are a better choice than popcorn and fruit juice but lack the specific sleep-inducing properties of milk and cheese. A small pear and soy milk (option D) provide some nutrients, but soy doesn't contain as much tryptophan as dairy milk, and the fiber in the pear could potentially slow digestion, which might cause discomfort.