In this article we will explore what the meaning of circadian rhythm sleep disorder is.
Circadian rhythms
Humans as well as animals and plants have circadian rhythms which control the timing of sleep and being awake. In addition to sleep timing they affect hormone levels, body temperature, alertness and appetite.
Normal circadian rhythms
A person’s circadian rhythms are thought of as normal when they are able to go to sleep early and wake up early if they want to. They are then also able to go to sleep at the same time every day.
Circadian rhythm disorders
If a person is not able to maintain the same times of going to sleep and waking up from day to day they are suffering from circadian rhythm disorder.
Types of circadian rhythm disorders
• Jet lag
Travelling across time zones affects the time you need to sleep.
• Shift work sleep disorder
Night shift workers sometimes suffer from this condition.
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome
This condition is characterized by alertness during the night and difficulty in waking up in the morning.
• Advanced sleep phase syndrome
This is an inability to stay awake in the night and not being able to maintain sleep in the morning.
• Non 24 hour sleep-wake syndrome
This condition causes the affected person to go to bed later and later each day because of inability to get to sleep on time.
• Irregular sleep-wake pattern
This condition causes the person to sleep in different, irregular times of the day.
Treatment for circadian rhythm sleep disorder
• Behavioral therapy
This is intended to teach ways to get better sleep such as avoiding naps and coffee.
• Bright light therapy
The sufferer is given high density light in order to help them stay awake during the day. This will help in getting better sleep during the night.
• Natural medication
Melatonin is one natural substance than can help induce sleep.
The best treatment for circadian rhythm disorder is psychological, behavioral therapy. This will enable the person to focus on the reasons for the condition. This will help in choosing the right way of treating the disorder.
