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Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders

Mechanism - Primary Disorders

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1. Primary Circadian Sleep Disorders

a. Delayed Circadian Rhythm Disorder

The following changes occur in Delayed Circadian Rhythm Disorder (DCR):

The body clock runs slower than a normal circadian rhythm (24-hour period).


Since the circadian rhythm is running slow, your pineal gland releases the nighttime hormone melatonin too late

So you tend to sleep late and 'wake up' later in the morning or day.

b. Advanced Circadian Rhythm Disorder

The changes in Advanced Circadian Rhythm Disorder (ACR) are:

The body clock is running faster than a normal 24-hour period.

So the pineal gland releases the nighttime hormone melatonin prematurely

Since melatonin is released prematurely, one feels tired earlier in the evening and so they tend to sleep early and awaken early.
c. Bimodal Circadian Rhythm Disorder (BCR) or Irregular Sleep/Wake Cycle

The rhythm changes in Irregular Sleep/Wake Cycle are:

A normal circadian rhythm runs through one sleep/wake cycle in 24 hours, in bimodal circadian rhythm there is more than one sleep period, which is not sustained.

This maybe due to the pineal gland releasing the night time hormone melatonin irregularly during day cycle, causing one to feel tired at various times during the day.

Since melatonin is released prematurely, the body clock can't sustain a complete sleep cycle.

d. Non 24-hour Sleep/Wake Cycle (or Free-running Circadian Rhythm Disorder)

The changes in Non 24-hour Sleep/Wake Cycle are:

Here the person is not able to perceive the light or dark signal, which is found most commonly in blind people.

They have rhythms independent of a normal 24-hour day. So the body’s need to function is at odds with your rhythm.

As a result of which the body is often producing the wrong withdrawal and sleep hormones when one needs to be active and energetic, and when one needs to sleep.


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Posted by:  Annycantsleep(Guest)  Posted on: 02/24/2009
I have delayed sleep phase syndrome (fall asleep around 3am)and wonder what jobs others with same problem have as I can no longer do the 9-5 office thing...its killing me! Love to get some ideas about alternate industries...thanks so much!



Posted by:  monsie  Posted on: 12/27/2008
I suffer from macular degeneration. I wonder if light therapy would be beneficial for me. I need to know.
Thanks
monsie




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