The name is strange, but it is something we go through literally every 24 hours. Circadian rhythm is the approximately 24-hour cycle that every animal experiences relating to the time spent sleeping and awake. It is appropriate to look at the things that disturb this natural cycle and how to treat them.

The most common circadian rhythm disorders are Delayed Sleep-Phase Syndrome (DSPS), characterized by a persistent inability to fall asleep at the desired bedtime and awaken on time in the morning; Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome (ASPS), marked by persistent early evening sleep onset, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., and waking-up earlier than one wants by an hour or two or even more; and Irregular Sleep-Wake Cycle, which features multiple sleep episodes and disturbed nighttime sleep without recognizable circadian characteristics or sleep patterns.

Circadian rhythm disorders are accompanied by complaints of insomnia and/or being too sleepy during the day. Impaired quality of life is the most common feature but it can be deadly serious. Thousands of serious or fatal automobile or work-related accidents each year result from impaired performance caused by sleep deprivation. Cardiovascular problems, increased smoking and alcohol use, and depression are more prevalent in individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.

While circadian rhythm disorders happen in all age groups, two that are affected more than others are adolescents and the elderly. Many teenagers show signs of DSPS and have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, while older individuals are more prone to ASPS and find themselves waking up too early.