Circadian Rhythm & Sleep-Wake Disorder Treatment in Delhi

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders

Circadian Rhythm Sleep – Wake disorders are a group of conditions in which the body’s internal clock is misaligned with the external environment, leading to difficulties in sleep timing, duration, or quality. These disorders affect a person’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up at socially acceptable or desired times.

Types of CRSWD

Delayed Sleep – Wake Phase Disorder: Sleep and wake times are delayed by 2+ hours.
Advanced Sleep – Wake Phase Disorder: In this there is early sleep onset and wake time
Non – 24 – Hour Sleep – Wake Disorder: It is very common in blind individuals, where there sleep time shifts slightly each day.
Irregular Sleep – Wake Rhythm Disorder: In there is no clear sleep – wake pattern, fragmented sleep throughout the day and night.
Shift Work Disorder: It affects the people who work at night shifts or rotating shifts, causing insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Jet Lag Disorder: It is a temporary misalignment due to crossing time zones quickly.

Causes

CRSWD is caused because of:

Disruption of the natural light – dark cycle.
Poor sleep hygiene.
Neurological or developmental conditions.
Blindness (especially in non 24 hour disorder).
Genetics or family history.
Occupational or social commitments conflicting with sleep.

Symptoms

Faces some difficulty in falling asleep or waking up at the desired time.
Poor sleep quality or fragmented sleep.
Daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
Insomnia or excessive napping.

Impaired concentration and performance.

Diagnosis

It can be diagnosed through:

Sleep history and diary (2+ weeks)
Actigraphy (wearable sleep tracker)
Polysomnography (sleep study in select cases)
Evaluation of lifestyle, work hours, light exposure.

Treatment

This can be treated by:

Chronotherapy: In this process the sleep schedule of the patient is gradually shifted.
Light Therapy: Exposure to bring light in the morning (for DSWPD) or evening (for ASWPD).
Melatonin: This is taken at specific times to adjust the sleep phase.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-I): It is used for the issues related to insomnia.
Sleep Hygiene: For avoiding screens before bed, maintain a regular bedtime, and limit caffeine.
Lifestyle Adjustments: You should adjust the work schedules, planning naps, and using blackout curtains or blue light filters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can CRSWD be cured or only managed?

In this most types can be managed effectively with a proper treatment, but there are some that maybe chronic and require ongoing therapy (like non 24 hour disorder in blind individuals).

2. Is melatonin safe for long – term use?

Low – dose melatonin is generally considered as safe for short – term, but if you want to take it for long – term than it should be used under the supervision by a doctor, especially in children or elderly.

3. Are CRSWD’s related to mental health?

Yes, CRSWD’s can make the depression and anxiety more worse. Treating sleep rhythm can improve mental health outcomes.

4. How is shift work disorder different from insomnia?

Insomnia is an inability to sleep despite the opportunities, while shift work disorder is caused by conflicting biological clock and work schedule. The underlying cause and treatment differ.