Why Are My Sleep Times Out Of Alignment?

Do you experience a persistent or recurrent pattern of sleep disruption that is due to an alteration of the circadian system or to a misalignment between the endogenous (internal) circadian rhythm and the sleep-wake schedule required by your environment or social or professional schedule?

Does the sleep disruption lead to excessive sleepiness or insomnia, or both?

Does the sleep disturbance cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a clinical issue with your sleeping times. Our bodies run an internal clock that makes us feel sleepy at night and more awake during the day. This natural sleep-wake rhythm is called the circadian rhythm. When someone experiences a disruption of this rhythm, he may suffer from a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. This can cause symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and depression. A more regular sleep schedule will alleviate the symptoms.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one or two signs related to a sleep problem. Our bodies have an internal clock that makes us feel sleepy at night and awake during daytime. But if this rhythm is disrupted, it can become a circadian rhythm sleep disorder. People who often travel overseas and evening shift workers are more likely to have this type of disorder. The disorder may cause symptoms ranging from feeling sleepy during the day to depression. What may help is to get a regular sleep schedule. If your symptoms cause problems and impairment in your daily life, it may be important to discuss this with your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder. Seeking medical support is recommended. Your doctor may refer you to a sleep medicine specialist who will usually ask you to keep a journal of your sleep hours. The specialist may also advise to do a sleep study. In such studies, the patient gets a heart monitor or a breathing monitor, or sometimes both. From the results the specialist will understand If you have other sleep problems. Treatment can include medications, such as melatonin, but sometimes changing your sleep routine and light exposure may be enough.