Which change supports rest by reducing stimulants?

• A. Increase caffeine
• B. Skip meals
• C. Exercise vigorously
• D. Reduce caffeine

Answer: (D)

Reducing stimulants supports rest because caffeine is a common stimulant that can keep the nervous system activated and make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and reach deep rest. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors, which normally promote sleepiness, so even if you try to wind down, the body stays more alert. It also sticks around in the body for several hours, so late-day caffeine can cut into sleep duration and quality. Lowering caffeine intake reduces this arousal and helps the body transition to rest more easily, leading to quicker sleep onset and more restorative sleep. The other options don’t directly reduce stimulant load: increasing caffeine increases arousal; skipping meals doesn’t address stimulants; exercising vigorously can raise energy and heartbeat and may disrupt sleep if done too close to bedtime. Reducing caffeine is the clear way to support better rest.