How Body Clocks and Insomnia Are Linked and Treated in Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders may lead to reduced sleep quality due to misalignment with the day-night cycle.

• Delayed sleep phase syndrome and advanced sleep phase syndrome are examples of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
• Non-24 hour sleep-wake syndrome and irregular sleep-wake pattern disorder are also included in this category.
• Patients with these disorders often struggle to maintain normal social hours.
• Current treatments include both drug options, like hypnotics and melatonin, and nondrug options, such as bright light therapy and chronotherapy.
• There is an overlap with psychophysiological insomnia among these disorders.

Simplified