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Updated: May 10, 2025

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Published on: April 7, 2020

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.

Keith A Barnes¹

¹Keith A. Barnes practices urgent care at CareNow-Viscount in El Paso, Tex. and sleep medicine at Biorhythms by Dr. Omavi, also in El Paso, Tex. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants

|April 24, 2025

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) affects adolescents and young adults, causing stress due to societal schedule conflicts. Early identification and treatments like melatonin and light therapy can effectively manage this circadian rhythm disorder.

Keywords:

DSWPD adolescents circadian rhythm disorders delayed sleep insomnia young adults

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Area of Science:

Sleep Medicine
Chronobiology
Adolescent Health

Background:

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is a common circadian rhythm disorder, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
DSWPD is often misdiagnosed as insomnia, leading to patient distress over perceived inability to sleep at desired times.
The core issue in DSWPD is a misalignment between desired and achievable sleep/wake times, distinct from insomnia's sleep initiation difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

To differentiate DSWPD from insomnia.
To highlight diagnostic tools for DSWPD.
To outline effective management strategies for DSWPD.

Main Methods:

Utilizing sleep questionnaires for initial screening.
Employing sleep diaries to track patient sleep patterns.
Implementing actigraphy for objective sleep-wake cycle assessment.

Main Results:

DSWPD diagnosis is improved through a combination of subjective and objective sleep monitoring tools.
Patients with DSWPD can fall asleep easily but at later times than socially expected.
Societal non-adherence exacerbates DSWPD symptoms and stress.

Conclusions:

Early identification of DSWPD is crucial for successful management.
Treatment involves chronotherapeutic interventions such as scheduled melatonin, consistent sleep-wake schedules, and bright light therapy.
Effective management can mitigate the stressors associated with DSWPD in adolescents and young adults.