Article · 2 min read
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Your body clock affects when you sleep and wake. Learn about body clock sleep problems, their causes, and how sleep doctors treat them.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
BODY CLOCK · BASICS
Body clock sleep problems at a glance
- Your body has an inner clock, called your circadian rhythm.
- These disorders happen when that clock is out of step.
- People who work night or changing shifts are at higher risk.
- Light therapy and melatonin are the main treatments.
- A sleep specialist can help get your schedule back on track.
A circadian rhythm sleep disorder happens when your inner body clock is out of step with the sleep schedule your life needs. This makes it hard to sleep at normal times. A sleep specialist can help get your sleep schedule back on track.
What is your body clock?
Your body has an inner clock, called your circadian rhythm. It affects when you feel sleepy and when you wake up. In these disorders, the clock is out of step with your schedule. That schedule may be set by your work, your social life, or other demands.
What are the common types?
- Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase — you naturally fall asleep and wake up very late. This is common in teens and young adults.
- Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase — you fall asleep and wake up very early. This is more common in older adults.
- Shift Work Disorder — trouble sleeping because you work nights or changing shifts. People who work shifts are at higher risk.
- Jet Lag Disorder — your clock is off for a short time after you travel across time zones
- Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder — your body clock does not keep to a 24-hour day. It is most common in people who are blind.
How are they treated?
Light therapy and melatonin are the main treatments. A sleep specialist may use one or more of these:
- Light therapy — bright light at the right times of day
- Melatonin — a sleep hormone, taken as a supplement
- Chronotherapy — slowly shifting your sleep times
- A set sleep schedule — setting the best sleep schedule for you
BODY CLOCK · TYPES
Common types of body clock disorders
| What happens | Who gets it most | |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed sleep-wake phase | You fall asleep and wake up very late | Teens and young adults |
| Advanced sleep-wake phase | You fall asleep and wake up very early | Older adults |
| Shift work disorder | Trouble sleeping from night or changing shifts | People who work shifts |
| Jet lag disorder | Your clock is off for a short time | People who travel across time zones |
| Non-24-hour disorder | Your clock does not keep to a 24-hour day | Most common in people who are blind |
Common questions
What are circadian rhythm disorders?
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- AASMHealthy Sleep Habits
- Sleep FoundationSleep Hygiene Tips
- NHLBISleep Deprivation & Deficiency
- AASMInsomnia Overview
- NHLBIInsomnia
- Mayo ClinicInsomnia
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