What is Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)?

Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is the most common circadian rhythm sleeping disorder, involving an abnormal alignment of the sleep-wake cycle causing affected individual to feel sleepiness and wake up later than what is considered normal.

The sleep phase is classified as delayed if it is misaligned by more than two hours of what is considered normal. This means that most people with DSPD begin to feel tired between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. and wake up in the late morning or afternoon.

Although the exact causes of DSPD are unknown, it is very common and affects up to 15% of adolescents and young adults. It is thought to be associated with lack of morning sunlight exposure or overexposure to bright light in th eevening, due to the effect of light on the circadian rhythm.

Symptoms

Symptoms indicative of delayed sleep phase disorder include:

• Absence of tiredness at normal bedtime
• Inability falling asleep at normal bedtime
• Difficulty waking up a normal time
• Excessive sleepiness during the day

If individuals with DSPD are able to sleep according to the delayed cues of their body, they will continue to get enough sleep and will live relatively uninhibited lives. When allowed to go to sleep later and wake up later, they continue to get enough sleep and are able to live and function normally.

However, most individuals have particular commitments, such as school or work, in the morning that may restrict the time that they are able to sleep. Individuals may then experience sleep deprivation and the related symptoms, such as sleepiness during the day and decreased performance at school or work.

Up to half of individuals with the disorder also suffer from depression, which is likely associated with the negative symptoms of sleep deprivation.

Diagnosis

Delayed phase sleep disorder is usually diagnosed based on symptoms reported by the patient. A sleep diary can be a useful tool to record sleep habit and identify patterns such as DSPD, which may be affected the health and overall performance of the individual.

In some cases, an autograph to monitor sleep-wake cycles can be worn by patients to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, polysomnography can also help to monitor sleep stages of an individual and detect particular differences between sleep disorders.

Management

For people experience negative effects as a result of DSPD, it is important to take steps to minimize the impact of the disorder. The recommended management of DSPD involves techniques to adjust the circadian rhythm of the individual and advance it, so it is more closely aligned to what is considered normal.

Initially, this may include intentionally going to bed slightly earlier each night, allowing the body to adjust to the changes in the timing of sleep. This can be effective in some cases, but relies on the self-control of the individual and can revert back easily if the individual diverts from the new habit.

Other treatment techniques that may be used to advance the sleep phase include:

• Bright light therapy in early morning
• Dark light therapy at night and before bed
• Pharmacotherapy to aid sleep (e.g. melatonin)

With these techniques, many individuals are able to advance their sleep schedule by up to two hours, although it is difficult to go beyond this point. It is worth noting that not everyone with DSPD will require treatment if they are able to meet their sleep needs within their daily schedule.

References

• https://www.sleepassociation.org/patients-general-public/delayed-sleep-phase-syndrome/
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/neurological_institute/sleep-disorders-center/disorders-conditions/hic-delayed-sleep-phase-syndrome
• http://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/files/pdfs/Delayed-Sleep-Phase-Syndrome.pdf
• http://www.aasmnet.org/resources/practiceparameters/review_circadianrhythm2.pdf

Further Reading

• All Sleep Content
• What is Sleep?
• Types of Sleep Disorders
• Promoting Sounder Sleep in Older Adults
• Sleep Deprivation – Inadequate Quantity of Sleep

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.