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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Chronobiology and insomnia: pathophysiology and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Cameron J van den Heuvel1, Kurt Lushington
1Centre for Sleep Research, The University of South Australia, 5th Floor Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia. cameron.vdh@unisa.edu.au
Abstract:
This review summarizes current knowledge of sleep disorders with a chronobiological basis, including: delayed sleep phase syndrome, advanced sleep phase syndrome, non24 h sleep-wake syndrome and irregular sleep-wake pattern disorder. These circadian rhythm sleep disorders are characterized by a misalignment between the timing of the sleep period with respect to the day-night cycle and as a consequence of patients attempting to maintain 'normal' social hours, reduced sleep quality. In addition to the specific circadian rhythm sleep disorders, this review will also examine current drug (e.g., hypnotics and melatonin) and nondrug (e.g., bright light therapy and chronotherapy) treatments, the overlap with psychophysiological insomnia and future directions.
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