DESCRIPTION
Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm disorder. It consists of a typical sleep pattern that is "delayed" by two or more hours from a person's desired sleep schedule. For example, someone might need to have a sleep schedule of 10pm to 6am because of their work. However, their body consistently wants to stay up later than 10pm and sleep later than 6am. This mismatch can contribute to getting inadequate sleep and disruptions in a person's sleep pattern.
CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
(1) More information about DSPD
(2) Assessment
(3) Key components of treatment
(4) Treatment for insomnia
(1) More information about Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSPD)
The links below are to more information about DSPD from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
More detailed information about DSPD and its treatment can be found at this article on Up to Date (a resource written by medical experts for physicians)
(2) Assessment
Assessment typically consists of being interviewed by health provider and maintaining a Sleep Diary. It usually is not necessary to do an overnight sleep study using specialized equipment.
(3) Main treatment components
Evidence-based treatment for DSPD consists of the components listed below. Follow the link for each for more information. Successful treatment usually requires the guidance of a professional who understands how to optimize the use of these components. It may require about 4-6 sessions over the period of 6-8 weeks to complete the process.
(4) Treatment for insomnia
If you are also experiencing insomnia, please see:
Additional information
Center for Environmental Therapeutics - Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders