A look at the body’s natural time cues:
Circadian Rhythms are the natural rhythm of biological and psychological processes that normally cycle in a 24-hour period. They influence our body temperature, sleep and wakefulness, hormone levels. Circadian Cycles are influenced by sunlight and other time cues. For most of us, the cycle is very close to 24 hours.
What Causes Circadian Rhythm Disorders?
Genetics may play a large part in determining an individual’s circadian system. Age-related changes in the circadian system can affect the body’s natural rhythm and response to time cues.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
- Jet Lag: a body’s response to time change
- Shift Work: Individuals who have to adjust to an unnatural schedule of working while others sleep and sleep while others are awake.
- Irregular sleep/wake pattern: Individuals with sleep/wake cycles that cannot adjust to a 24-hour period.
- Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS): Individuals suffer from early afternoon sleepiness and often awaken too early and are not able to go back to sleep. This is more common in older adults.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD): Individuals that are unable to fall asleep until 2:00 am or later. This is more common in young adults.
Treatment for Circadian Rhythm Disorders
- Phototherapy using sunlight and/or a prescribed therapy light.
- Melatonin
- Sleep Diary
- Sleep aids
- Stimulants
