What is non 24-hour sleep wake disorder?
Non 24-hour sleep wake disorder is a condition that results when a person inadvertently delays bedtime and then attempts to sleep at a conventional time. People with 24-hour sleep wake disorder have daily sleep times that are delayed one to two hours from the previous night's sleep.
People with this disorder have the kind of sleep patterns that seem to be unrelated to time cues. In non 24-hour sleep wake disorder, people appear to have a free-running "biological clock" rather having sleep and wake times that fit with the norm.
What causes non 24-hour sleep wake disorder?
The underlying cause of non 24-hour sleep wake disorder is circadian rhythm disorder. People with this disorder repeatedly delay sleep, influence circadian rhythm, then interfere with circadian patterns with a sudden change back to conventional sleep indicators. The disruption is related to the person’s inability to make up for each day that bedtime has been delayed.
How is 24-hour sleep wake disorder treated?
Techniques to advance and alter sleep times are used to treat non-24-hour sleep wake disorder until a conventional bedtime is consistent. Therapy may include education about proper sleep hygiene practices, bright light therapy.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.This document was last reviewed on: 2/10/2005
