What is a common behavioral recommendation to reduce insomnia symptoms?

Avoiding nicotine close to bedtime is a common behavioral recommendation to reduce insomnia symptoms because nicotine is a stimulant that can interfere with the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Stimulants increase alertness and can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, making it difficult for individuals to achieve restful sleep. By steering clear of nicotine in the hours leading up to bedtime, individuals may find it easier to relax and drift off, thereby improving their sleep quality.

The other options present practices that are generally not conducive to healthy sleep. For example, using sleeping pills every night can lead to dependency and may worsen insomnia in the long run due to rebound insomnia effects. Bringing work into the bedroom can create a mental association between the space and productivity or stress, hindering the ability to relax and unwind before sleep. Trying to stay in bed longer to force sleep may lead to anxiety about sleeping and result in an inability to sleep, creating a negative cycle of insomnia. Thus, avoiding nicotine is a practical recommendation that aligns with promoting better sleep hygiene.