Question

A patient has acute insomnia. Which information would the nurse include in teaching the patient?

A. Encouraging caffeine intake before bedtime
B. Promoting a consistent sleep schedule
C. Exercising vigorously right before bedtime
D. Increasing screen time in the hour leading up to sleep

Answer 1

The nurse should teach a patient with acute insomnia to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and excessive screen time before bed, and refrain from vigorous exercise close to bedtime as part of good sleep hygiene.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a patient with acute insomnia, the nurse should focus on the promotion of good sleep hygiene. This could include:

• Promoting a consistent sleep schedule - Encourage going to bed and waking up at the same times every day to regulate the body's internal clock.
• Exercise - Recommend engaging in regular physical activity but advise against vigorous exercise close to bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
• Avoiding caffeine intake before bedtime, as caffeine is an adenosine antagonist which can lead to increased wakefulness and difficulty falling asleep.
• Limiting screen time before sleep to avoid the effects of blue light, which can disrupt the body's ability to fall asleep.

These strategies are part of a comprehensive approach for treating insomnia without the use of medications, which may lead to dependence and alterations in the sleep cycle. Strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on cognitive processes and problem behaviors that contribute to insomnia, are also effective.