circadian rhythm disorder
Pronunciation: sir-KAY-dee-an RITH-um dis-OR-der
Sleep-wake disorders caused by misalignment between internal biological clocks and external environmental schedules.
Full Definition
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders occur when there is a persistent or recurrent pattern of sleep disruption due to alterations in the circadian timing system or misalignment between endogenous circadian rhythms and sleep-wake scheduling demands. These disorders include delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, advanced sleep-wake phase disorder, irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder, and shift work sleep disorder. Diagnosis often involves sleep logs, actigraphy monitoring, and sometimes melatonin or core body temperature measurements. Treatment typically focuses on chronotherapy using light exposure, melatonin supplementation, and sleep hygiene modifications.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder' in formal diagnostic contexts.
In Context
- "The patient's inability to maintain a conventional sleep schedule suggested a circadian rhythm disorder." — Sleep medicine consultation
- "Light therapy at 10,000 lux was prescribed to treat the circadian rhythm disorder." — Treatment plan documentation