Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a disorder of the circadian rhythm, where a person's internal sleep-wake cycle does not match the desired sleep times usually seen in the general public. Unlike other sleep disorders and disruptions, DSPD is not caused by an underlying medical condition and can result in significant difficulty in falling asleep and waking on time, as well as daytime fatigue and sleep deprivation. DSPD is common in teens and adolescents, but can affect people of any age. The most effective treatment for DSPD is the use of light therapy and chronotherapies, which involve gradually adjusting one's sleep schedule and exposing oneself to timed bright light exposure in order to reset the individual's delayed sleep-wake cycle. Treatment can help improve daily functioning and overall quality of life in affected individuals.