Circadian Rhythm Disturbances
Circadian Rhythms
Circadian rhythms are our body's natural rhythms that influence a number of biological / physiological processes such as sleep and wake patterns, body temperature and certain hormonal changes. Circadian rhythms generally follow a cycle that lasts approximately 24 hours. Circadian rhythms are controlled by the brain but can be influenced by external environmental factors such as sunlight and other time cues (e.g., the time we go to bed and wake up each day). For healthy individuals, their circadian rhythms are coordinated and work together. When environmental factors interfere with a person's natural circadian rhythms they may experience a circadian rhythm disorder.
What are some common types of circadian rhythm disturbances?
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) occurs when a person's "body clock" (i.e., circadian rhythm) is set to fall asleep too late to get sufficient sleep for school or work. It is not uncommon for an adolescent with DSPS to report not feeling tired until 2 or 3 am. Most people are unable to function with this sleep / wake schedule.
Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (ASPS)
Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) occurs when a person's "body clock" (i.e., circadian rhythm) is set to fall asleep very early in the afternoon. Individuals with ASPS wake up very early (or during the middle of the night) and are unable to fall back asleep.
Jet Lag
Jet lag is a common circadian rhythm disturbance that occurs when a person travels quickly across several time zones. Jet lag is likely to occur with international travel and its symptoms may last up to a week or longer while the body adjusts to the new sleep / wake schedule. Symptoms experienced by individuals with jet lag include insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, indigestion, irritability and poor concentration.
Can circadian rhythm disorders be treated?
Most treatments involve a change in sleep schedules to help reset the circadian clock with the environmental demands on the individual. In general, maintaining a good sleep schedule is a critical part of treating a circadian rhythm disorder. In some cases bright-light therapy which involves brief exposure to a bright therapeutic lamp right after a consistent and appropriate wake up time may be helpful. You should discuss this and other treatments with a sleep specialist.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 10/04; Rev. 08/06
