Irregular sleep-wake syndrome is sleeping without any real schedule.
Sleep-wake syndrome - irregular
This disorder is very rare. Itusually occurs in a person who has a problem with brain function and who does not have a regular routine during the day. The amount of total sleep time is normal, but the body clock loses its normal circadian cycle.
People with changing work shifts andtravelers who often change time zones may also have these symptoms. These people have a different condition, such as shift work sleep disorder or jet lag syndrome.
- Sleeping or napping more than usual during the day
- Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night
- Waking up often during the night
Exams and Tests
A person must have at least three abnormal sleep-wake episodes during a 24-hour period to be diagnosed with this problem. The time between episodes is usually 1 to 4 hours.
If the diagnosis is not clear,thedoctor may prescribe a device called an actigraph. The devicelooks like a wristwatch, and it can tell when a person is sleeping or awake.
The goal of treatment is to help the person return to a normal sleep-wake cycle. This may involve:
- Setting up a regular daytime schedule of activities and mealtimes.
- Not staying in bed during the day.
- Using bright light therapy in the morning and taking melatonin at bedtime.
- Making sure the room is dark and quiet at night.
The outcome is usually good with treatment. But some people will continue to have this disorder even with treatment.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Most people have sleepdisturbances on occasion. But if this type of irregular sleep-wake pattern occurs regularly and without cause,see your health care provider.
Kanuther N, Harrington J, Lee-Chiong T. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Clin Chest Med. 2010;31:319-325.
Zee PC, Vitello MV. Circadian rhythm sleep disorder: irregular sleep wake rhythm. Sleep Med Clin 4;2009:213-218.
Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.