Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders (pronunciation: sɜːrˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm sliːp dɪsˈɔːrdəz) are a family of sleep disorders affecting, among other things, the timing of sleep. People with circadian rhythm sleep disorders are unable to sleep and wake at the times required for normal work, school, and social needs. They are generally able to get enough sleep if allowed to sleep and wake at the times dictated by their body clocks.
Etymology
The term "circadian" comes from the Latin circa, meaning "around" (or "approximately"), and diem or dies, meaning "day". The formal study of biological temporal rhythms, such as daily, tidal, weekly, seasonal, and annual rhythms, is called chronobiology.
Types of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are categorized into several types, including:
- Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), inability to awaken and fall asleep at socially acceptable times but no problem with sleep maintenance, a disorder of circadian rhythms.
- Advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD), a condition in which patients feel very sleepy and go to bed early in the evening (e.g. 6:00–8:00 p.m.) and wake up very early in the morning (e.g., 1:00–3:00 a.m.).
- Non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder (non-24), a condition in which the daily sleep–wake activity cycle is not 24 hours, leading to alternating periods of insomnia and excessive sleepiness.
- Irregular sleep–wake rhythm, which presents as sleeping at very irregular times, and usually more than two sleep periods over 24 hours.
Treatment
Treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders primarily involves chronotherapy, light therapy, and melatonin supplementation.
See also
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