WHAT IS DELAYED SLEEP PHASE DISORDER?
Background
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), is a circadian rhythm disorder characterized by the dysregulation of an individual’s biological clock as compared to the general population in which they live amongst. Someone with DSPD will typically have a delayed sleeping pattern of two hours of more causing he or she to fall asleep later in the night and wake up later in the day. This sleeping disorder affects the timing of sleep, alertness, body temperature, hormone levels, and the ability to operate in the day.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
This sleeping disorder encapsulates not only college student sleep deprivation, but demonstrates a cycle, or trend, of how one aspect can eventually cause serious health issues that increase over time.
DSPD is becoming increasingly more prevalent in adolescents than in previous years. Poor sleep habits and behaviors contribute to this increase as exposure to such habits can cause sleep deprivation and individuals can develop DSPD.
Sleep is important for various reasons including cognitive function, memory, physical health, and mental health. It is recommended teens and adults sleep 7 hours a night or more.
CAUSES OF DELAYED SLEEP
​
Research has demonstrated DSPD can have genetic components in infants and children who show signs of this sleep disorder
​
In teens and adults who develop DSPD later in life, major causes include:
- School schedules
- Work Schedules
- Technology Use At Night
- Inconsistent Routines
- Societal Pressure
- Parties and Social Expectations
RESEARCH
DELAYED SLEEP PHASE DISORDER IN YOUTH: SLEEP CONDITIONS AND DSPD AWARENESS
A research article, proposed by Michael Gradisar, and Stephanie J. Crowley of the School of Psychology at Flinders University in Australia, completed a study that discusses Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder in youth. This study tested the prevalence of certain factors that influence the increased diagnosis in teens and young adults including circadian rhythm abnormalities, reduced homeostatic sleep pressure, light sensitivity. Researchers then use pre-sleep cognitive activity and measurements to support their findings and propose treatment. They concluded that clinicians and the general public should be made aware of certain features that define DSPD and provides statistics for its prevalence in youth, and how it affects their overall health and wellness.
​
Gradisar, M. J., & Crowley, S. (2013). Delayed sleep phase disorder in youth. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 26(6), 580-585.
IRREGULAR SLEEP/WAKE PATTERNS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH POORER ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND DELAYED CIRCADIAN AND SLEEP/WAKE TIMING
A sleep study, conducted in 2017, examines how irregular sleep patterns lead to poorer academic performance and DSPD in college students. The study used 61 undergraduate students and analyzed their sleeping habits and patterns via a 30-day sleep diary, used the SRI, and analyzed their academic performance and cognitive function. This study demonstrates how irregular sleeping behavior can lead to more serious and complex health issues within a community of people.
​
Phillips, A., Clerx, W. M., O'Brien, C. S., Sano, A., Barger, L. K., Picard, R. W., … Czeisler, C. A. (2017). Irregular sleep/wake patterns are associated with poorer academic performance and delayed circadian and sleep/wake timing. Scientific reports, 7(1), 3216.
TREATMENT
How Can We Improve Our Sleep Behavior?
- Gradual Scaling Back Of Sleeping Times
- Melatonin
- Establish A Bedtime Routine
- Avoid Late Day Naps
- Limit Caffeine and Sugar Intake
- Limit Screen Time And Technology Use Before Bed
- Lights Out
- Allow For Enough Sleep