A circadian rhythm disorder is a condition that disrupts the timing of an individual's sleep patterns.

1. Circadian Rhythm Disorder
The Causes
A circadian rhythm disorder is a condition that disrupts the timing of an
individual's sleep patterns. This might not sound like a serious problem, as
people who suffer from this sleep disorder are able to get sufficient rest if
allowed to follow their own body clocks. However, not being able to sleep at
specific times that society dictates makes it difficult to do things like: get to
work on time, make it to class, attend meetings punctually etc. People who
suffer from circadian rhythm disorders generally get good quality sleep, it's
just that they can't keep the same sleep times as other "normal" sleepers.
The body's internal clock naturally follows a schedule of biological
processes throughout a 24-hour period. A regular disruption of these

2. natural patterns often results from a contradiction between an individual's
internal (or body) clock and their environment. A circadian rhythm
disorder can hamper daily performance in other aspects of a person's life
including work, school, musical or artistic performances as well as other
social functions.
Not being able to get to sleep at night can be
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Circadian rhythm disorders can be
categorized into two types:
Extrinsic - where outside forces affect our sleeping patterns,
including:

3. Jet Lag
Occurs when people travel over time zones and their body clock is
not in sync with the new time.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)
Most commonly plagues those with shifts that prevent regular sleep
times. Doctors and nurses are
two professionals who are likely
to suffer from this. Varying
work schedules that may run all
night long prevent a person
from creating a regular sleep
schedule, which prevents them
from benefiting from healthy
sleep cycles.
Intrinsic - where our body's clock is affecting our sleep
schedule, which includes:
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD)
This is common among those who consider themselves night owls. In
this case, a person stays up very late, usually past 2 am, and has
difficulty waking up in the morning.
Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (ASPS) a.k.a Advanced
Sleep Phase Type (ASPT)

4. Patients suffering from ASPS are so tired that they usually go to bed
early in the evening - say around 7pm, and end up waking up very
early in the morning - around 2am.
Irregular Sleep Wake Rhythm
Someone suffering from this sleep disorder typically sleeps
frequently throughout the day, waking up multiple times at night
and taking naps throughout the day.
Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Syndrome (non-24)
With this disorder, a person is able to get a full night's rest but their
sleep schedule moves back later and later each day – moving their
period of peak alertness with it.
When a circadian rhythm disorder begins to negatively affect an
individual's life, it is time for a change. Some treatments include bright
light therapy and chronotherapy, which help reset a person's internal clock.
Since people suffering from the extrinsic forms of circadian rhythm sleep
disorders are actually able to get a full night's rest (7-9 hours) in many
cases, they must consider whether keeping
this erratic sleep schedule is viable. If you
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