What Is a Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder?
The term circadian rhythm sleep disorder describes a group of sleep disorders that affect an individual’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a cycle many organisms experience that lasts roughly the length of a day, 24 hours, and influences the timing of various activities, such as eating and sleeping. A circadian rhythm sleep disorder, then, is a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to sleep and to stay awake. In essence, the “biological clock” is off and the person is not able to stay awake at times that are appropriate for work, class, or other important activities. Conversely, they are unable to get enough sleep to remain healthy and alert unless they sleep according to their biological clock.
