SLEEP SCHEDULE MESSED UP

CIRCADIAN RHYTHM SLEEP DISORDER

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder?

There are three main types of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder: the Jet Lag and Shift Work Types, both of which are usually temporary and self-correcting, and the Delayed Sleep Phase Type, which is usually chronic.

Shift Work Type. This type occurs when workers change from one shift to another on their job, especially when they must be active during their former sleep periods. The individual haves more trouble performing his tasks and becomes weaker, with sleepiness following. During the new sleep time, sleep is often disrupted and ends up being shorter. Symptoms are worst during the initial adjustment to night work. Symptoms may last more than three weeks. Some teens are involved in activities that require constant changes in their sleep schedules and they may then develop the Shift Work Type of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder.

Jet Lag Type. In this type, individuals may feel attacks of intense sleepiness and fatigue after air travel across several time zones. Some people may complain of nausea or other flu-like symptoms as well. Adjustment to the new time zone begins by the second day, with the person having more energy and less physical distress. The person is usually fully adjusted by the end of a week. This disorder affects children, teens and adults.

Delayed Sleep Phase Type. This type is different from the other two in that it is not brought on by external circumstances such as travel or work. In this type the person goes to sleep progressively later and awakens later in the day. If they can sleep in as they wish, they feel fine. But if they must awaken to go somewhere, they feel sleepy. This is made worse by irregular life style habits and the use of caffeine. Teens with irregular schedules may fall into this type of sleep disorder.

Symptoms of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order for a person to be diagnosed with Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder, the person must meet the following symptoms:

• There is a continuing or repeating mismatch between a person’s sleep-awake pattern and the sleep-wake demands of that person’s environment that results in chronic fatigue and sleep difficulties.
• The mismatch leads to hypersomnia (too much sleeping) or insomnia (insufficient sleep).
• The problem cause significant distress or impairs work, social, or personal functioning.
• This problem doesn’t exclusively occur during another mental or sleep disorder.
• This problem is not directly caused by a general medical condition or by the use of substances, including medication.

Treatment for Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder

There are various treatments for Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders, which depend on the cause of the disorder. For instance, jet lag induced sleep disorders may sometimes be prevented by the use of special homeopathic preparations, essential oils, melatonin or energy psychology interventions. Other sleep disorders may benefit from light therapies behavioral therapies (changing certain behavioral routines) and/or medication.