Delayed sleep phase syndrome

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a sleep disorder characterized by a delay in the timing of the major sleep period in relation to the desired sleep time and wake-up time. This results in symptoms of sleep onset insomnia or difficulty in awakening at the desired time.

Pronunciation

Delayed: /dɪˈleɪd/
Sleep: /sliːp/
Phase: /feɪz/
Syndrome: /ˈsɪndrəʊm/

Etymology

The term "Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome" is derived from the following words:

Delayed: From the Old French delaier, meaning to postpone or defer.
Sleep: From the Old English slēpan, meaning to be in a state of rest.
Phase: From the Greek phásis, meaning appearance or aspect.
Syndrome: From the Greek syndromē, meaning concurrence of symptoms, from syn- (together) + drómos (a running).

Symptoms

The main symptom of DSPS is an inability to fall asleep until very late at night, with the resulting need to sleep late into the morning or even into the afternoon. Other symptoms may include:

Difficulty waking up in the morning
Daytime sleepiness
Poor concentration and performance in the morning
Depression or mood disorders

Causes

The exact cause of DSPS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the body's internal circadian rhythm. Factors that may contribute to the development of DSPS include:

Genetic predisposition
Exposure to artificial light in the evening
Lack of morning sunlight exposure
Lifestyle factors, such as late-night work or social activities

Treatment

Treatment for DSPS typically involves changes to sleep habits and lifestyle, such as:

Following a regular sleep schedule
Avoiding exposure to light in the evening
Increasing exposure to morning sunlight
Use of melatonin supplements
Chronotherapy, a behavioral technique that involves gradually shifting the sleep time

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Delayed sleep phase syndrome
Wikipedia's article - Delayed sleep phase syndrome

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