Sleep disorder impact, diagnostics, and further details: Delayed sleep phase syndrome's influence, determining methods, and additional aspects
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a chronic circadian rhythm disorder that affects an individual's sleep-wake cycle, causing difficulty in falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning. This condition is particularly common among adolescents and young adults.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help manage DSPS. Common treatments include bright light therapy, chronotherapy, melatonin supplements, and improved sleep hygiene practices.
Bright light therapy involves exposure to high-intensity light (2,000 to 9,500 lux) typically in the morning to help reset the circadian clock earlier, signalling the body to wake up and thus advancing sleep time. This treatment can be as simple as sitting near a light box or a bright window for 30 minutes upon waking.
Chronotherapy, on the other hand, manages DSPS by progressively delaying sleep time by about three hours each day until the desired bedtime is reached, then maintaining that fixed schedule daily. This method aims to establish a typical circadian sleep-wake cycle pattern.
Melatonin supplements can help signal the brain that it’s time for sleep, and are sometimes used in conjunction with light therapy to shift sleep patterns earlier. Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, may be prescribed by healthcare professionals to aid in the treatment of DSPS.
Improved sleep hygiene includes maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule, creating an ideal sleep environment, limiting light exposure before bedtime, managing caffeine and alcohol intake, and developing regular relaxation routines. These practices support the circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.
In addition to these treatments, some studies are exploring medications like Lemborexant, a sleep aid, as potential treatments for DSPS, although this is still under clinical investigation.
For a more accurate diagnosis, actigraphy, a small device worn like a wristwatch, records movement and light to determine whether a person is awake or asleep at home. In some cases, a polysomnograph may be required, where a person stays overnight at a facility where experts monitor their sleep to diagnose DSPS.
If you believe you or your child may have DSPS, it's important to contact a doctor, keep a sleep diary for a few weeks, and seek medical advice if lack of sleep is interfering with your quality of life and safety. People with certain conditions, such as ADHD, are more prone to sleep problems than other children, and may be more likely to have DSPS.
In conclusion, a combination of these approaches tailored to the individual is often recommended to effectively treat DSPS. By managing DSPS, individuals can improve their sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and alleviate the associated behavioural, mental health, attendance, and performance issues at work or school.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a chronic circadian rhythm disorder that affects sleep-wake cycles, especially common in adolescents and young adults.
- Treatment for DSPS includes bright light therapy, chronotherapy, melatonin supplements, and improved sleep hygiene practices, aiming to promote a healthier sleep pattern.
- In the realm of science, some medical-conditions like ADHD increase the likelihood of sleep disorders, including DSPS, and should be considered during diagnosis.
- Apart from these treatments, ongoing research investigates medications like Lemborexant as potential solutions for DSPS management, while actigraphy or polysomnograph may help confirm the diagnosis.
- As DSPS can impact a person's mental health, attendance, and performance at work or school, seeking medical advice is vital for proper treatment, particularly if chronic diseases or neurological disorders, such as ADHD, are present.
