Which of the following is most characteristic of sleep in a 45-year-old woman with major depressive disorder?: (A) Sleeping too many hours at night, (B) Falling asleep suddenly during the daytime, (C) Walking up too early in the morning, (D) Having difficulty coming fully awake after sleep
Answer is C. Although excessive sleeping may also occur, the sleep problem most characteristic of the major depressive disorder is early morning awakening, commonly called "terminal insomnia." Falling asleep suddenly during the daytime is narcolepsy, and cessation of breathing during sleep is sleep apnea. "Sleep drunkenness" involves difficulty in coming fully awake after sleep.