Sleep hygiene refers to which of the following?

• A. Practices that promote good sleep (regular schedule, limiting screens) that improve mood and functioning
• B. Sleeping in a dark room is the only requirement
• C. Sleep quality is unrelated to mood
• D. Medication is the only way to improve sleep

Answer: (A)

Sleep hygiene focuses on the habits and environment that support consistently good sleep. It means routines and conditions that help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling rested, which in turn improves mood and daytime functioning. Examples include a regular sleep-wake schedule, a calming pre-sleep routine, limiting screens and blue light before bed, and creating a dark, quiet, comfortable bedroom, along with avoiding caffeine or heavy meals late at night.

This is why the best choice is that set of practices. Sleeping only in a dark room is too narrow a view of what helps sleep. Sleep quality does relate to mood—better sleep generally leads to better mood and functioning, while poor sleep can worsen mood and cognition. Medication is not the only way to improve sleep; many people achieve better sleep through these non-pharmacological habits, with medication used only in certain cases.