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Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

Diseases and Conditions Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), also known as delayed sleep-wake phase syndrome, is a sleep disorder that significantly affects an individual’s internal circadian rhythm. People with DSPD experience a consistent delay in their sleep-wake cycle, making it challenging to align with societal schedules. Let’s delve into the details.

Types of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

  1. Pure DSPD: The most common type, characterized by a consistent delay in both sleep onset and wake times. Individuals with pure DSPD find it difficult to fall asleep at conventional bedtime hours.
  2. Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder: In contrast to DSPD, this type leads to an early sleep-wake cycle. People with advanced sleep phase disorder tend to fall asleep and wake up much earlier than usual.
  3. Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm: This type lacks a clear circadian rhythm, resulting in chaotic sleep patterns without a predictable schedule.

Causes of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

The exact cause of DSPD remains elusive, but several factors contribute:

  • Biological Clock Discrepancy: The internal circadian clock is out of sync with external cues such as light, darkness, eating patterns, and physical activity.
  • Teenage Hormonal Shifts: Adolescents often experience delayed circadian rhythms due to hormonal changes during puberty.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Staying up late for homework, excessive screen time, and irregular meal times can exacerbate the sleep delay.

Risk Factors of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing DSPD:

  • Age: DSPD is more common among teenagers and young adults.
  • Genetics: Family history may play a role.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Irregular sleep habits, excessive screen exposure before bedtime, and erratic meal schedules.

Symptoms of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

Individuals with DSPD exhibit the following symptoms:
1. Difficulty Falling Asleep: Insomnia due to the delayed sleep onset.
2. Trouble Waking Up: Difficulty rising in the morning for work, school, or other commitments.
3. Daytime Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness during waking hours.
4. Alertness Challenges: Struggling to stay awake and focused during the day.

Preventions of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

To manage DSPD effectively, consider the following preventive measures:

  • Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintain regular sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
  • Light Exposure: Get natural light exposure during the day, especially in the morning.
  • Limit Evening Screens: Reduce exposure to screens (phones, computers, TVs) before bedtime.

Diagnosis of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

Healthcare professionals use the following methods to diagnose and evaluate DSPD:

  • Sleep Diary: Record sleep patterns over several weeks.
  • Actigraphy: Wearable devices monitor sleep-wake cycles.
  • Polysomnography: Overnight sleep study in a lab.

Treatment for Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)

  1. Behavioral Approaches:
    • Chronotherapy: Gradually adjust sleep times backward (e.g., going to bed 15 minutes later each night).
    • Bright Light Therapy: Exposure to bright light in the morning to reset the circadian clock.
    • Melatonin Supplements: To regulate sleep-wake cycles.
  2. Medications: Short-term use of sleep aids.
  3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Address negative sleep associations.

When to seek medical attention ?

  • If symptoms persist for at least three months.
  • If excessive daytime drowsiness affects daily life.