The nurse recognizes that which statement regarding sleep is true?

B. This statement aligns with the concept of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative physiological toll that chronic stress places on the body over time. Initially, the body's stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system) is designed to help individuals cope with acute stressors. However, when stress becomes chronic, these physiological responses can become dysregulated and maladaptive, leading to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
A. Chronic stress has been associated with various changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications. However, these changes typically occur over longer periods and are not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness in most cases.
C. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which are responsible for producing and regulating corticosteroids (such as cortisol) and catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline). While acute stress typically results in increased production of these stress hormones, chronic stress can lead to desensitization and dysregulation of these systems, resulting in alterations in hormone levels and potential deficits in the availability of these stress mediators. However, deficits in corticosteroids and catecholamines are not the sole mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness.
D. While chronic stress can certainly contribute to psychological fatigue and depletion of energy reserves, this is not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness. The physiological responses to chronic stress, such as dysregulation of stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress, are more directly linked to the development of various illnesses.

A. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and other symptoms such as cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone), sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. While lifestyle modifications and behavioral strategies may help manage symptoms, medications are often necessary to control narcolepsy symptoms effectively. Therefore, if a client with narcolepsy states that they will not need medications, further teaching is indeed needed.
B. Narcoleptic attacks, or sleep attacks, can indeed last seconds to minutes. They are characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness or sleep onset, which can occur during daytime activities.
C. Narcoleptic attacks can occur suddenly, even when the individual is alert and engaged in activities. These attacks are unpredictable and can significantly disrupt daily life.
D. Emotional triggers, such as stress, excitement, or anger, can sometimes precipitate or exacerbate narcoleptic symptoms, including sleep attacks and cataplexy. However, not all individuals with narcolepsy experience triggers in the same way, and triggers can vary among individuals. Therefore, this statement may or may not be true for the individual in question.