Delayed
Sleep Phase
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a very common condition
that affects sleep timing. People with this condition often can't
fall asleep until very, very late and have trouble waking up in
time for school, work, or other commitments.
Individuals with DSPS cannot sleep until early morning (usually
past 3 a.m.) Unlike insomniacs, they fall asleep at the same time
every night, even if it is very late. If DSPS is the only condition
they are suffering from, they are able to sleep well and still need
the normal amount of sleep.
Cure
Insomnia
Stop Daytime Tiredness and Sleepiness with a Good
Night's Sleep
They will find it difficult to wake in the morning if they have
not slept for long enough. However, if they are able to sleep for
as long as they need (until noon usually) they will wake up feeling
refreshed and they will not be tired again until the same time the
next night. An individual is most likely suffering from DSPS if
these symptoms continue for a month or longer.
Delayed Sleep Phase is caused by the body's internal clock. The
body's inability to fall asleep earlier stems from the internal
clock being out of sync with the sleeping and waking times they
are trying to carry out. DSPS can develop gradually or can come
on suddenly.
Delayed Sleep Phase is only considered a disorder when it interferes
with the person's daily life. Many people can live quite happily
with DSPS. They find ways to carry on their normal schedule while
living with it. If a person does consider it to be a problem, they
should keep a sleep log every day.
This takes a few minutes and the items entered into the log should
include:
- Time they tried to fall asleep
- Time they think they fell asleep
- Any night time awakenings
- Time they woke up
- Time they got out of bed
- Time they had to get up
- Whether they woke by themselves, used an alarm clock, or woke
because they were disturbed
- How they felt during the day
- Any daytime naps including when and for how long
- What medications are being used
Finding a sleep specialist can also help in dealing with DSPS.
This can include a physician who can recognize and treat Delayed
Sleep Phase, sleep disorder clinics, or the departments of psychiatry,
neurology, and internal medicine at a local hospital.
There is no known cure for DSPS, however individuals may be treated
if they are properly diagnosed. Light therapy is one known treatment.
This consists of treating the patient to very bright light in the
morning and very dim light in the evening. This has proved useful
in treating DSPS. Chronotherapy can also be used.
This involves the patient trying to go to sleep earlier and earlier
every night until the desired sleep time is achieved. Melatonin
is also a new treatment that can be used. This hormone can be taken
orally at night and it induces sleepiness and a more natural sleep.
A lifestyle adjustment may also be needed. This includes avoiding
working late, and to stop taking any naps during the day.
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