What strategy may assist a client with difficulty falling asleep at night?

Eating a bedtime snack can be a helpful strategy for clients who struggle with falling asleep at night, particularly if the snack includes elements that promote sleep. Foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as whole grain cereal or toast, when consumed in moderation, can increase the availability of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps produce melatonin and serotonin, which are important for regulating sleep.

From a broader perspective, a nighttime snack can help prevent hunger-induced awakenings that could disrupt sleep. However, it's important that the snack is light and not too heavy or rich, as that could cause discomfort and lead to insomnia.

Other strategies may not support sleep as effectively. For example, taking a hot shower can be relaxing for some but may not necessarily aid in falling asleep if done too close to bedtime. Exercising late in the evening typically raises the heart rate and adrenaline levels, which can make it harder to wind down. On the other hand, consuming caffeinated beverages is well-known to negatively impact sleep by increasing alertness and delaying the ability to fall asleep. Thus, a bedtime snack can be an effective strategy for promoting better sleep.