Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Abstract

Individuals who have circadian rhythm sleep disorders present with symptoms of insomnia or excessive sleepiness and complain of an inability to sleep at their desired time. Although the primary etiology of these disorders is a misalignment between the endogenous circadian clock and the external environment, social and behavioral factors can also play important roles in perpetuating or exacerbating these disorders. Currently, the management of circadian rhythm disorders is limited to the use of bright light and melatonin to realign the circadian clock with the desired sleep time.However, as the understanding of the physiologic and genetic basis of sleep and circadian rhythm regulation advances, even more practical and effective treatments should become available.

• Authors: Kathryn J Reid, Helen J Burgess
• Journal: Primary care (Prim Care) Vol. 32 Issue 2 Pg. 449-73 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0095-4543 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15935195 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Melatonin

Topics

• Humans
• Melatonin (therapeutic use)
• Primary Health Care
• Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm (diagnosis, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Time Factors