Sleep problems caused by disrupted daily body clock

Chronotherapy using bright light or melatonin may effectively realign the sleep-wake cycle in individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs).

• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) arise from a mismatch between the body's internal clock and the external sleep-wake requirements.
• Types of CRSDs include delayed sleep phase, advanced sleep phase, free-running, irregular sleep-wake, shift work, and jet lag.
• Bright light serves as the most potent cue for resetting circadian rhythms and may shift sleep patterns to align with societal demands.
• Appropriately timed bright light therapy can effectively adjust sleep-wake cycles for individuals with CRSDs.
• Timed melatonin administration, either alone or with light therapy, is also beneficial in managing CRSDs.

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