Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Syndrome
Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome is one of the rarest and most difficult to correct circadian rhythm disorders. Unlike most people, who have an internal biological clock that roughly adheres to a 24-hour schedule, people suffering from non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome experience unbalanced circadian rhythms set on longer loops, such as a 25 or 26-hour cycle. Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome essentially pushes sleep and wake times back by 1 or 2 hours every day, keeping the person in a near-constant unconventional sleep cycle by standards of society. Extreme cases may involve a sleep-wake cycle that lasts 72 hours, where the person will remain awake for 48 straight hours and then sleep for 24 straight hours as a regular sleeping pattern.
Problems Associated with Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Syndrome
Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome makes it impossible for the person to hold down a traditional job or attend a regularly scheduled school, and many people suffering from the disorder gravitate towards self-employment and home schooling to work on their own schedule. Social stress and depression are two of the main problems associated with the disorder, although quality of sleep generally does not deteriorate.
Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome involves making changes in your routine in order to reset and balance the circadian rhythm. This may involve incorporating fixed events into your schedule at set times regardless of when you wake up, as well as gearing your internal clock towards a 24-hour rhythm.
The most widely used treatment for the sleeping disorder, however, is melatonin, which a person will typical ingest within a few hours of their desired bedtime. Additional treatment methods include light treatment, chronotherapy and acupuncture, each one with varying results.
Like many sleeping disorders, there is no cure for non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome in a traditional sense, but under constant monitoring and continued treatment, people can find relief from this troubling sleeping disorder.
Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.
