Online Class Activity
Online Class Activity :
Review the literature for sleep guidelines and provide an overview
Explain how neuro activity changes when there is a lack of sleep and how it can impact mental health
Describe the hypnotics effect on brain activity and identify common pharmacologic agents
Provide a proper sleep management plan and how the APRN can monitor it
Readings:
? Tusaie & Fitzpatrick: Chapter 11
Week 12 Content
? Go to Modules on the Course Menu, click, and scroll down to Week 12 content
Journal Article(s):
DeSocio, J. E., (2019). Challenges in diagnosis and treatment of comorbid eating
disorders and mood disorders. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 55, 494-500
Grave, R. D., Sartirana, M. and Calugi, S. (2019). Enhanced cognitive behavioral
therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: Outcomes and predictors of
change in a real-world setting. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 52,
1042-1046.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this online class activity, we will be reviewing the literature on sleep guidelines and discussing various aspects related to sleep and mental health. We will explore how neuro activity changes in the absence of sleep and its impact on mental health. Additionally, we will discuss the hypnotic effect on brain activity and identify common pharmacologic agents. Finally, we will provide a proper sleep management plan and discuss how advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can monitor it.
Answer to Content:
1. Sleep guidelines refer to recommendations and suggestions designed to help individuals achieve optimal sleep patterns and maintain good sleep health. These guidelines are based on scientific research and aim to promote quality sleep for individuals of different age groups. They often include recommendations on sleep duration, sleep hygiene practices, and strategies to improve sleep quality.
2. Lack of sleep significantly affects neuro activity and can have detrimental effects on mental health. When an individual experiences sleep deprivation, there is a decrease in overall brain activity, especially in regions responsible for cognitive processes such as decision-making, attention, and memory. This can lead to difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, and decreased cognitive performance. Furthermore, the emotional centers of the brain become hyperactive, increasing the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
3. Hypnotics are medications that induce or maintain sleep. They work by acting on certain receptors in the brain, either by enhancing the effects of inhibitory neurotransmitters or by directly inhibiting brain activity. Common pharmacologic agents used as hypnotics include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (such as zolpidem and eszopiclone), melatonin receptor agonists, and orexin receptor antagonists. Each of these agents has a specific mechanism of action and may be prescribed based on individual sleep patterns and conditions.
4. A proper sleep management plan involves adopting healthy sleep habits and implementing strategies to improve sleep quality. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime, avoiding stimulants (such as caffeine and nicotine) close to bedtime, and engaging in regular physical activity. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can play a crucial role in monitoring sleep management plans by assessing sleep patterns, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and modifying the plan as needed. They can also provide education and support to individuals regarding healthy sleep practices, helping them maintain optimal sleep health.
By studying and understanding sleep guidelines, the impact of sleep deprivation on neuro activity and mental health, the effects of hypnotics on brain activity, and implementing proper sleep management plans, healthcare providers, specifically APRNs, can contribute to promoting healthy sleep habits and better mental well-being among their patients.
