{"id":2607,"date":"2022-04-11T13:12:27","date_gmt":"2022-04-11T11:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/?p=2607"},"modified":"2022-07-20T14:37:05","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T12:37:05","slug":"circadian-rhythm-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/circadian-rhythm-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Circadian Rhythm Disorder: How Does It Affect Sleep?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve ever had trouble sleeping, you know how debilitating it can be the following day. Work becomes an insurmountable task, everyday chores become a real slog, and life loses its luster. Yet, consistently failing to get some much-needed shut-eye over extended periods can create even more problems and develop a nasty <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what makes our \u201cinternal clock\u201d tick, its effects on our psyche, and how best to get out of this vicious cycle of sleepless nights and sleepy days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, let\u2019s not waste any more time and get straight to it!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Normal Circadian Rhythm?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a self-sustaining autonomous process where a person\u2019s body secretes hormones that regulate multiple functions at 24-hour intervals. The term \u201ccircadian\u201d derives from the Latin <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circa dies<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which means \u201cabout a day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our internal clock is influenced by daylight and darkness at night, which can be reflected in an individual\u2019s shifting energy levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, different people have <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">different circadian rhythms,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which can be shorter or longer than 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Our Internal Clock Made Of?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our \u201cinternal clock\u201d is located in our brains. Specifically, our hypothalamus. One part of it \u2014 the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) \u2014 is responsible for managing our entire <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-the-circadian-rhythm\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SCN secretes hormones that control various bodily functions throughout the day. Some of the most important ones are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metabolism<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">body temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">melatonin secretion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will affect all of the above, not just sleep-wake time. That is why it\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vital <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to restore balance as soon as possible. Likewise, any damage to the SCN will impair every other rhythm it controls, such as the diurnal, ultradian, and infradian.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Can We Feel Our Circadian Clock at Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most frequently made argument to explain our internal clock is the link between <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sleep.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling sleepy when it gets dark is the most obvious sign of our biological clock at work. A functioning circadian rhythm is also reflected in our shifting energy levels every 20\u201328 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our internal clock is mainly influenced by daylight and darkness. Other factors like health or substance abuse also play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll know your internal clock is ticking in a healthy rhythm if you feel energetic, hungry, or sleepy at a specific time of day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is<\/b><b> a <\/b><b>Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The connection between the circadian rhythm and daylight isn\u2019t accidental. We become less active when our bodies detect less daylight. In essence, our internal biorhythm is what regulates when we sleep and when we\u2019re awake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is essentially any disturbance in our internal clocks. These disorders aren\u2019t uncommon and can manifest as a physical or mental illness or simply as a sleep dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in the circadian rhythm can disrupt our typical sleep-wake cycle and severely affect our life quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why NASA has been developing systems that mimic a natural daylight cycle in space to prevent astronauts from losing their internal rhythm, especially during prolonged flights and space stays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Diagnosing a <\/b><b>Circadian Rhythm Disorder<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bad news is that this disorder leads to insufficient, excessive, or ineffective sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that modern medical equipment can record our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/stages-of-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stages of sleep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and then identify any unnatural shifts in our sleep patterns to help uncover the source of the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/18272659\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that a broken circadian rhythm can lead to seasonal affective disorders, bipolar disorders, cardiovascular problems, kidney problems, and cancer. Hence, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delayed sleep phase disorder treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is highly advised.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent and prolonged shifts in your daily routine, fatigue, and chronic stress all lead to biorhythm problems. This can begin in the form of common sleep disturbances, followed by general anxiety, increased irritability, neurological and psychological problems, and physical concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Causes a Circadian Rhythm Disorder?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among the possible reasons behind the occurrence of this disorder, two are well established:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Biological factors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 these are any structural or biochemical changes in the parts of the brain that are involved in sleep regulation, such as the hypothalamus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental factors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 these are the individual factors that impact our circadian rhythm, for example, working a night shift or using a cell phone in bed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The underlying causes of a circadian rhythm disorder could also be grouped as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lifestyle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 this includes frequent travel across time zones, night shift work, regularly visiting nightclubs or bars, and athletic overtraining.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Some physiological and non-physiological conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 like pregnancy, severe hunger or thirst, fever, intense pain, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/teeth-grinding-in-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teeth grinding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diseases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 infections (like meningitis), gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, headaches, hypoglycemia, brain tumors, etc., are common underlying <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other sleep conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 the most common being chronic sleep deprivation or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-sleep-apnea\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep apnea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychiatric conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">generalized <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/anxiety-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety disorder<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">obsessive-compulsive disorder\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">post-traumatic stress disorder\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic fatigue syndrome\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">schizophrenia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neurological disorders (dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s disease)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional excitement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consumption of certain substances <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">includes:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/coffee-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caffeinated beverages<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drugs and medications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Types of <\/b><b>Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since our sleep is regulated by homeostasis, short-lived disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle don\u2019t cause any serious problems. This \u201cdelay\u201d is adjusted within just a few hours, and everything returns to normal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if your body\u2019s sleep cycle is upset for an extended period, you may have a sleep disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s take a closer look at some of these.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This type of sleep disorder is more common in young people and is characterized by delayed sleep until around 2 AM or later. In this case, one might avoid sleep deprivation by sleeping in late.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, individuals with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delayed sleep phase syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suffer from daytime sleepiness, which impairs their work or school performance. Because of this, patients could be considered lethargic, disinterested, or lazy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The truth is that these \u201cnight owls\u201d are productive and creative late at night but chronically tired for any morning duties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This condition is the exact opposite of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delayed sleep phase disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some consider it a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/aging-and-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">natural process of aging<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. What is it?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with ASPD go to bed earlier than usual (between 6 PM and 9 PM), which leads to waking up early in the morning (between 2 AM and 5 AM). According to numerous studies, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/advanced-sleep-phase-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 1% of middle-aged and elderly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> develop this syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with this syndrome are the so-called \u201cmorning larks\u201d and suffer from sleepiness in the late afternoon or early evening and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-insomnia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insomnia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the early morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, the circadian rhythm is so disorganized that there\u2019s no known sleep or wake pattern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This condition is typical in people with dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, and children with intellectual disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s thought that this irregular sleep-wake disorder occurs when the core of our internal clock (the hypothalamus) degenerates or when it isn\u2019t exposed to adequate day\/night light patterns. The most common <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irregular sleep patterns side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and endocrine disturbances (hormonal disbalance).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this disorder, sleep becomes fragmented \u2014 over a 24-hour period, people may take a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/napping-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">series of naps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get an average amount of sleep. The diagnosis is made when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2768129\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at least three sleep-wake episodes<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">last between 1 and 4 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep time shifts a little bit each day for people with this disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The N24 sleep disorder usually occurs when there\u2019s no light cue to guide our internal clock \u2014 hence the link between this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> blindness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Namely, as much as 70% of blind people are affected by this disorder, although it can also occur in sighted people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The side effects of this disorder are insomnia and daytime drowsiness, especially if this continues for several weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Jet Lag<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you change your circadian rhythm<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at will? Jet lag puts this question to the test. When our internal sleep and wakefulness routine conflicts with the patterns in a new time zone, it results in a temporary sleep disorder called jet lag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not unusual for an individual to have difficulties adjusting to a new time zone. The good news is that there are some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/what-is-jet-lag\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tips on overcoming and avoiding jet lag<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, when traveling west, you\u2019ll be dealing with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delayed sleep phase syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for this type of jet lag will resemble said disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling east is even more complicated than a westward trip because it\u2019s easier to postpone going to sleep than to make yourself sleep earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Shift Work Disorder<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not having a consistent work schedule leads to this reversible <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm sleep disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s fairly common, considering how many people work rotating shifts or work overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shift work disorder is characterized by continual and repeated sleep interruptions that result in insomnia or excessive sleepiness. It can also cause the development of more serious psychiatric problems if it persists for extended periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Narcolepsy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/narcolepsy-symptoms\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narcolepsy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could also be considered a sleep disorder related to the circadian rhythm. People with this condition experience extreme daytime drowsiness and even lethargy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms are combined with episodes of falling asleep during the day \u2014 no matter whether a patient already had enough sleep the night before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Circadian Rhythm Disorder Symptoms\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most sleep disorders share the same problem \u2014 namely, sleep deprivation. The complete list of symptoms includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insomnia \u2014 the difficulty falling or staying asleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">excessive fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">daytime sleepiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty waking up or falling asleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mood swings, irritability, and lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depressive episodes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">short-term memory difficulties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inability to complete work or school tasks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stress and anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impaired social life and relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the severity of these symptoms, a prompt <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder medication <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment might be necessary. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/best-over-the-counter-sleep-aid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potent OTC sleep medication<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">might do the trick for some less severe ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet, before you start looking for a cure, rule out any other underlying medical conditions that might be causing it. These disorders are difficult to diagnose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, a diagnosis should be made solely by a sleep specialist who offers individual treatment. Before your appointment, it\u2019s a good idea to prepare a sleep log for your last two weeks, and don\u2019t forget to describe your sleep history in detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Risk Factors<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What type of people are more likely to suffer from circadian rhythm disorder?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unfortunately, lots of people fit the bill. Let\u2019s take a closer look:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">older people are prone to advanced sleep rhythm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">adolescents are more prone to delayed circadian rhythm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people with neurological diseases have a harder time regulating their sleep-wake cycle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all shift workers have trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people with mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">frequent flyers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people who abuse drugs, caffeine, and alcohol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">individuals in nursing homes and people who have little to no sun exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the blind<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder Treatments<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A balanced circadian rhythm is crucial for regulating vital bodily processes, so timely diagnosis and treatment are highly advisable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For one, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acponline.org\/acp-newsroom\/cognitive-behavior-therapy-effective-for-chronic-insomnia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CBT-I) can help you find the root cause of your disorder. At least 70% of insomniacs who received this treatment showed an improvement in all sleep outcomes, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5803038\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light therapy is yet another <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3020104\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">popular treatment method<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to gradually modify the sleep-wake cycle and bring it back within normal parameters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The therapy consists of exposure of the patients to bright light for time intervals that the specialists will decide, depending on the severity of your symptom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best part is, you can supplement this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment for a delayed circadian rhythm sleep disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/best-melatonin-supplement\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a simple melatonin supplement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melatonin is the brain\u2019s way of communicating that it\u2019s time for sleep. It surges in the evening and gets us ready for bedtime. If you don\u2019t get a lot of sunlight during the day, which is essential for melatonin production, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/best-natural-sleep-aid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">natural sleep aids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help fix this deficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, there\u2019s no shortage of sleep aids on today\u2019s market. From <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/best-essential-oils-for-sleep\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">essential oils that help you relax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to special teas and edibles that make you sleepy, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Medication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to their numerous side effects, benzodiazepines, hypnotics, and other sleep medications should be used only as a last resort and never without a doctor\u2019s prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I reset my circadian rhythm<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with medication?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleeping pills and other sleep-wake cycle modifiers \u2014 like heavily caffeinated supplements \u2014 can help you synchronize your natural clock and put you back on schedule (so to speak).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these are used only for the most severe cases when other forms of treatment have failed and your sleep disorder has been rampaging for extended periods. If left unchecked, you risk developing psychological issues \u2014 hence why medication is used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/best-cbd-oil\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep-inducing CBD oils<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a far better alternative to opiates and are much safer. Nevertheless, you need to make sure you use the correct and proper dosage when using either of these unless you want to take a trip to the emergency room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Lifestyle Changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, there are basically two approaches to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 either delaying sleep (daytime naps in particular) after a restless night and getting to bed earlier or waking up sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you do that, there are a few lifestyles changes you can try, including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soothe the nervous system with soft light so you can fall asleep at a convenient and proper time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjust your bedtime gradually.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consistently wake up at the same time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid conflicts and stressful or emotional situations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start a new hobby.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Play a sport, run, or go swimming during the day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">yoga<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pilates, or stretching.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider psychotherapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps visit a health resort or SPA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to the cinema, the theater, a concert, or another event you enjoy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a walk in nature or go on a trip.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the wide range of sleep medications available, managing sleep disorders can be quite a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every disruption in the circadian rhythm requires a different approach both for identification <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment. The main goal is to normalize the circadian biorhythm and avoid developing a new sleep disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>What is <\/b><b>a <\/b><b>circadian rhythm and how does it affect sleep?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Controlled by the body\u2019s so-called biological clock, the circadian rhythm refers to the physiological and mental cyclical changes the body undergoes throughout the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The eyes&#8217; photosensitive retinal cells contain melanopsin pigment, which responds to light. One of their functions is to \u201crestart\u201d the circadian rhythm upon detecting light.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, these cells also respond to shortwave LED light (blue and green), widely used in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVs, tablets, laptops, and mobile phones<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because so many people use their devices right before bed, they feel drained and unprepared for the day in the morning. They can also have problems falling asleep, eventually messing up their circadian rhythm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What happens if your circadian rhythm is out of whack?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our biological clock, also called our \u201ccircadian rhythm,\u201d primarily manages our sleep\/wake cycle. Most people notice that they experience different levels of drowsiness throughout the day or that they have trouble falling asleep during the night.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The circadian rhythm works alongside other bodily functions, such as body temperature regulation, hormone secretion, urine production, and blood pressure changes. If there\u2019s a problem with the internal rhythm, we can expect variations in these processes, as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How do you fix circadian rhythm disorder?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you need to tweak your sleep schedule for some reason, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/sleep\/insomnia\/resetting-your-clock.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a few simple life hacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you can do, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintaining good sleep hygiene<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regular exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avoiding alcohol and caffeine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exposing yourself to sunlight during the day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">limiting air travel and late-night outings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>How do I fix my internal clock?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few things you can do if your internal clock is thrown off:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A short daytime nap won\u2019t significantly affect your circadian rhythm, but it can have a pretty rejuvenating effect.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your diet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 eat moderately so that you neither overeat nor feel hungry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor your sleep \u2014 watch whether you\u2019re sleepy all day or just at certain times.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>How long does it take to reset your circadian rhythm<\/b><b>?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the severity of your sleep disorder, it can take anywhere between a few days to a couple of months. The most important thing is to start treatment the moment you notice symptoms occurring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that you need to stay consistent with your treatment; otherwise, you risk relapsing and beginning from scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Best <\/b><b>delayed sleep phase syndrome treatment<\/b><b> options?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To successfully treat your sleep disorder, you must first figure out what\u2019s causing it. Once you do that, you can try some of the following methods:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cognitive behavioral therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-the-counter medication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">natural sleep aids\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">light therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that severe cases of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">circadian rhythm disorder<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require professional consultation. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can further impede recovery time and only make things worse.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In general, a circadian rhythm disorder involves disturbances in the sleep mode, which are caused by changes in our biological clock.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2609,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,21],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2607"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15280,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2607\/revisions\/15280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disturbmenot.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}