Circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD) is a condition in which an individual’s sleep-wake cycle is disrupted due to a mismatch between their internal biological clock and the external environment. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at the desired time, as well as excessive sleepiness during the day.
There are several different types of CRSD, including:
- Delayed sleep phase disorder: Individuals with this type of CRSD have a delayed sleep-wake cycle, meaning they have difficulty falling asleep until very late at night and then have difficulty waking up in the morning.
- Advanced sleep phase disorder: This type of CRSD causes individuals to fall asleep and wake up much earlier than desired.
- Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder: This condition is characterized by a natural sleep-wake cycle that is longer than 24 hours, leading to a gradual drift of sleep and wake times over time.
- Shift work disorder: This type of CRSD occurs when individuals work non-traditional hours, such as overnight shifts, which disrupt their normal sleep-wake cycle.
CRSD can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness, poor performance at work or school, and increased risk of accidents or injuries. Treatment for CRSD typically involves a combination of behavioral and environmental interventions, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding light exposure during specific times of day, and using medications to help regulate sleep-wake cycles.
