What is the primary purpose of a sleep diary?

The primary purpose of a sleep diary is to track sleep patterns. This tool serves as a critical resource for individuals to document various aspects of their sleep, including the time they go to bed, the time they wake up, the number of awakenings during the night, and the overall quality of their sleep. By consistently recording this information, a clearer picture of sleep habits develops, which can be invaluable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Additionally, patterns in sleep may reveal factors that affect sleep quality, thus aiding in developing better sleep hygiene practices.

While the other options mention important aspects of overall health, they do not directly relate to the core function of a sleep diary. Encouraging physical activity, documenting daily emotions, and recording dietary habits are certainly beneficial practices but do not specifically address the need for monitoring and understanding sleep patterns.