Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders are very common sleep disorders. The main cause of these disorders is a mismatch between the body’s inbuilt biological rhythm for sleepiness known as Circadian Rhythm. Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders are a group of sleep disorders that affect the timing of sleep and are characterized by an inability to sleep or wake at normal or appropriate times due to the dictates of the individual’s biological or circadian clock.

People with circadian rhythm sleep disorders are therefore unable to sleep and wake at the times required for normal work, school, and social needs, which can severely impact their quality of life. Circadian Rhythm sleep disorders are:

Advanced sleep phase disorder is common in the elderly and associated with evening sleepiness and early morning insomnia

Delayed sleep phase disorder is common in adolescents and may progress to adulthood. Sufferers find it hard to fall asleep before 2-3 am.

Shift work sleep disorder is common in workers who work on an odd shift. All shift workers have some problems adjusting to working shift changes, but in some cases, their problems are severe with the body clock not adapting. These sufferers may perform poorly at work, have accidents due to sleepiness or even stop shift work because of their severe symptoms.