CIRCADIAN RHYTHM SLEEP-WAKE DISORDERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is an alteration in the mechanism that regulates the 24-hour cycle, or as it is commonly called, "the biological clock" in charge of regulating the mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness.
Individuals with this disorder suffer from insomnia or excessive numbness at different times of the day, which can cause problems in work and social settings.
The following alterations of the circadian rhythm can occur:
Delayed sleep phase type: is characterized, as its name suggests, by a delay—usually greater than two hours—in the time of sleep onset and awakening, in relation to a conventional or socially acceptable schedule.
Early sleep phase type: is less frequent than the delayed sleep phase type. The periods of onset of sleep and awakening are very early or earlier with respect to normal or desired schedules.
Jet Lag or sleep disturbance due to travel with a change in time zone: is characterized by a mismatch between the endogenous circadian sleep-wake rhythm and the exogenous sleep-wake pattern of a given geographical area, derived from a long-distance displacement, which involves the crossing of several terrestrial meridians in a short period of time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the causes for presenting a Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder?
The main causes are attributed to an alteration of the "internal biological clock", causing the sleep-wake cycle to be modified or disturbed at the normal adjustment of 24 hours. Environmental and social factors that can influence the failure of the synchronization of the biological clock are: light intensity, night work schedules, trips to another continent, etc.
What are the consequences of an untreated Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder?
There are alterations in attention and concentration as well as strong feelings of irritability and frustration, that can result in a chronic depression. The ability to function in social, school or work activities is significantly affected.
How does this disorder present?
The disorder presents itself in the following ways:
Irregular sleep-wake type: Sleep and wakefulness are disorganized with the pattern variable, and it is observable by the patient who sees the behavior as problematic.
Advanced sleep phase type: The patient wakes up or goes to sleep very early, different from usual behavior, and there may be periods of insomnia.
Delayed sleep phase type: Sleep and waking is delayed with sleep onset occurring in the early hours of dawn.
At what age can a Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder present itself?
It is common for adolescents to experience some degree of this disorder, and it is also likely to appear in older adults if there is the presence of dementia.
How can I identify the Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder?
You can easily identify it in the phenomenon called "jet lag," in which you travel to a place with a different time zone to your own. Long flight hours, environmental conditions of the country and/or the modification of a person's routine can contribute to the onset of jet lag.
OUR TREATMENT MODEL
CADE offers a multidisciplinary treatment according to the characteristics and needs of the patient that is based on the patient´s diagnosis and an individual intervention plan.
A psychological or psychiatric disorder generally has a genetic or biological origin detonated by difficult and early or current traumatic experiences that lead the individual to become ill. Therefore, the clinical intervention in these disorders necessitates the multidisciplinary work of psychiatry, psychology, medicine, nutrition and complementary therapies. The treatment can be outpatient, inpatient or semi-inpatient based.