Candidate’s Card

Setting: General Practice Clinic

Background: You are a GP providing advice to a 44-year-old male patient experiencing sleep problems. The patient finds it hard to fall asleep, wakes up frequently during the night, and feels tired during the day.

Task:

• Explore the patient’s current sleep habits and routines (e.g., bedtime, wake-up time, activities before bed, etc.). Identify any potential issues that might be affecting sleep (e.g., irregular sleep schedule, stressful activities before bed, etc.) and discuss how these could be adjusted.
• Explain the concept of sleep hygiene, ensuring the patient understands its role in improving sleep quality. Emphasize the importance of establishing consistent routines and the impact of environmental factors on sleep.
• Provide detailed advice on practices that improve sleep quality, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming pre-sleep routine, and optimizing the bedroom environment (e.g., temperature, light, noise levels, etc.). Highlight the significance of avoiding stimulants close to bedtime.
• Discuss the impact of diet, exercise, and electronic devices on sleep, including the effects of caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals on sleep quality. Emphasize the role of regular physical activity in promoting better sleep and the importance of limiting screen time, particularly before bed.
• Provide recommendations for managing stress and anxiety that may interfere with sleep (e.g., relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, etc.). Offer strategies for addressing worries before bed, such as writing down concerns or creating a to-do list for the next day.