Description

Delayed sleep phase is a sleep disorder that affects the internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. People with this sleep disorder have sleep patterns that are delayed two hours or more regular sleep patterns. Go to sleep later and wake up later. This makes it difficult to wake up in time for work or school. Delayed sleep phase is also known as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.

A treatment plan may include changes in sleep habits, taking supplements of melatonin and the use of light therapy.

Symptoms

People with delayed sleep phase to fall asleep and wake up later than they want to and later than usual sleep and wake up. The sleep and wake times are delayed at least two hours, and may be delayed up to 3 to 6 hours. People with delayed sleep phase you can regularly go to bed at 3 in the morning and wake up at 10 in the morning, for example.

The symptoms are persistent. Last at least three months and often for years. Symptoms may include:

  • Not be able to fall asleep in one of the typical bedtime, known as insomnia.
  • Difficulty waking up in the morning instead of going to work or school.
  • Extreme sleepiness during the day.
  • The difficulty to stay alert during the day.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health care professional if you have persistent symptoms of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. Or make an appointment for your child if you think your child has symptoms of delayed sleep-wake phase disorder that does not go away.

Also make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child has trouble waking up in the morning or has excessive sleepiness during the day.

Causes

Delayed sleep phase is caused by a person's internal clock is out of sync with the environment. Your internal clock lets you know when it is time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Known as the circadian rhythm, the internal clock is on a 24-hour cycle. Cues in the environment influence the sleep-wake cycle. These signals are the light, the darkness, the eating and physical activity.

The exact cause of the delayed sleep phase is not known. But circadian rhythms may be delayed in adolescents because of biological reasons. Stay up late to do homework, watch TV or use the internet, you can make the sleep delay worse.

Risk factors

Delayed sleep phase can affect children and adults of any age. However, the delayed sleep phase is more common among adolescents and young adults.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of delayed sleep phase, also known as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, a health care professional to review your family and medical history. You can also have a physical exam.

You may need several tests to diagnose the delayed sleep phase or any related conditions, such as:

  • Actigraphy. This test tracks your sleep and wake times for several days. During the test, you use a small device on the wrist that detects your movements. The device can also monitor the exposure to the light.
  • Sleep diary. You may need to keep a sleep diary for a week or more. Record daily sleep and wake times to understand your sleep pattern.
  • Sleep study, also known as polysomnography. If you suspect that you may have a sleep disorder, you may need a sleep study. In this test, you stay in a sleep center during the night. Polysomnography monitors your brain activity, heart rate, oxygen levels, eye movements and the breathing of the function of sleep.

Treatment

A healthcare professional will work with you to create a treatment plan that can help you adjust your sleep and wake up.

Your plan may include:

  • Improving sleep habits.Making lifestyle changes can improve your sleep habits. This is known as sleep hygiene. For the practice of good sleep hygiene, go to sleep and wake up on a regular schedule, including weekends. It is better not to take naps during the day. Don't drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. And not using tobacco products. Exercise during the day can also help improve sleep, but the hours of exercise at the end at least two hours before bedtime. It is also useful not to participate in stimulating activities before bedtime. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.
  • Melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. You may be prescribed a melatonin supplement to take in the early evening. This can help adjust your circadian rhythm to go to sleep earlier.
  • The light therapy. Exposure to light with a light box in the morning you can adjust your circadian rhythm.
  • Chronotherapy. For some people, the health professionals to prescribe a sleep schedule that the delay of bedtime for 1 to 2.5 hours every six days. This is done until the desired bedtime is reached. You need to keep your sleep schedule once it is established.

Improving sleep habits. Making lifestyle changes can improve your sleep habits. This is known as sleep hygiene. For the practice of good sleep hygiene, go to sleep and wake up on a regular schedule, including weekends. It is better not to take naps during the day. Don't drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. And not using tobacco products.

Exercise during the day can also help improve sleep, but the hours of exercise at the end at least two hours before bedtime. It is also useful not to participate in stimulating activities before bedtime. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.

Symptoms and treatment of Delayed sleep phase