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Jet lag and shift work sleep disorders: how to help reset the internal clock
Bhanu P Kolla1, R Robert Auger
1Mayo Center For Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|October 5, 2011
Summary
Jet lag sleep disorder and shift work sleep disorder occur when your internal clock is out of sync with the external light-dark cycle. Symptoms can be managed through environmental adjustments, light exposure strategies, and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Jet lag sleep disorder and shift work sleep disorder arise from circadian rhythm misalignment.
- Disruptions occur due to rapid travel across time zones or nonstandard work schedules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize strategies for managing circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders.
- To outline methods for mitigating symptoms of jet lag and shift work sleep disorder.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on circadian rhythm regulation.
- Analysis of therapeutic interventions for sleep-wake disorders.
Main Results:
- Optimizing the sleep environment can reduce symptom severity.
- Strategic light exposure (avoidance and timed exposure) is crucial for resynchronization.
- Pharmacological and behavioral therapies offer additional management options.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders are manageable with a multi-faceted approach.
- Environmental and light-based strategies are key to mitigating jet lag and shift work disorder symptoms.
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