Sleep Problems

One fourth of all chronic sleep problems are the result of a mismatch between the body's internal clock and the external 24-hour schedule. These sleep-timing problems are called circadian rhythm problems because 'circadian' describes the body's daily sleep/wake hormone regulation (Circadian is Latin for 'about a day'). In addition, most other sleep problems can damage circadian rhythms and further compound the sleep problem. The National Institute of Health estimates that over 35 million Americans suffer from circadian rhythm problems.

What is the body clock and how does it work?

Our daily activity and sleep rhythms are regulated by a control center in the hypothalamus region of the brain called the Suprachaismatic Nucleus (SCN) or in layman's terms, the body clock. The body clock needs to receive signals to tell it when to shut down and prepare for sleep and when to produce the active waking hormones. The most powerful signaler or 'zeitgeber' is bright light such as sunshine. Other zeitgebers are darkness, certain sounds, weather, mealtimes, etc. When the body clock cannot receive these signals correctly, it malfunctions, causing circadian rhythm problems.

Why Are There Different Circadian Rhythm Problems?

When we're younger, our body clocks tend to run a bit slow, and so when they don't get the right signals, they cause a Delayed Circadian Rhythm (DCR). As we mature, our body clocks tend to speed up, causing Advanced Circadian Rhythm (ACR). Women suffer at twice to three times the rate as men, and they experience circadian rhythm problems earlier in their teens. Men usually notice problems in their late teens. Women's body clocks also speed up sooner than men, usually in their early 40's. Most men's clocks don't start speeding up or advancing until they reach their 60's.

Although advanced and delayed circadian rhythms account for most circadian sleep problems, a significant number of people also suffer from the following issues: Circadian Amplitude Disorder (CAD), Free-running Circadian Rhythm (FCR or Non 24-hour Sleep/Wake Cycle), and Bimodal Circadian Rhythm (BCR or Irregular Sleep/Wake Cycle).

What Will Happen if You Put Off Treating Circadian Rhythm Problems?

Untreated problems tend to become worse, not better. If you have a mild issue, it may develop into moderate or acute one and become more difficult to control. If you have a circadian rhythm problem, your body is likely producing melatonin at the wrong time of day, when you need to be active. Circadian rhythm problems may also contribute to stress and other health risks, since your body is not producing the hormones you need to be active, energetic.