Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What impacts a person's sleep cycle and potentially contributes to sleep disorders?

1. Diet and physical activity

2. Age and genetics

3. Stress and environment

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A person's sleep cycle is influenced by various factors, all of which can contribute to sleep disorders. Diet and physical activity significantly affect sleep quality; for instance, a diet high in caffeine or sugar may disrupt sleep patterns, while regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Age and genetics also play a crucial role; as individuals age, they often experience changes in sleep architecture, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, genetics can determine predispositions to certain sleep disorders, affecting how individuals experience sleep across their lifespan. Stress and environmental factors are critical as well. High levels of stress can lead to anxiety and restlessness, making it challenging to maintain a regular sleep cycle. Environmental factors, such as noise, light, and temperature, can disrupt sleep hygiene, contributing to longer-term sleep issues. Given that each of these factors—diet and physical activity, age and genetics, and stress and environment—plays a significant role in shaping a person's sleep cycle and the potential for sleep disorders, the most comprehensive answer acknowledges that all of these factors collectively impact sleep health.