What are circadian rhythm disorders?
Circadian rhythm disorders are disruptions in a persons circadian rhythma name given to the internal body clock that regulates the (approximately) 24-hour cycle of biological processes in animals and plants. The term circadian comes from Latin words that literally mean around the day. The key feature of circadian rhythm disorders is a continuous or occasional disruption of sleep patterns. The disruption results from either a malfunction in the internal body clock or a mismatch between the internal body clock and the external environment regarding the timing and duration of sleep. As a result of the circadian mismatch, individuals with these disorders usually complain of insomnia at certain times and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day, resulting in work, school, or social impairment. The following is a brief description of the more common circadian rhythm disorders. Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder most common in adolescents and young adults whose
