Body clock sleep disorders (shift work, early sleep, non-24)

Overview

Your body clock (circadian rhythm) tells you when to sleep and wake. Shift work, jet lag, and some conditions throw it off.

Advanced sleep phase is the opposite of a night owl: falling asleep very early and waking very early.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sleep out of sync with schedule

Less common

• Daytime sleepiness
• Insomnia

When to get medical care

Causes

Body clock.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Shift workers

Diagnosis

A sleep diary.

Treatment

Shift the clock.

Self-care

• Use bright light at the right time
• Dark bedroom

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Keep the same sleep times, even on days off

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a sleep medicine specialist.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Shift workers: Blackout curtains and planned naps help.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Light timing and routines help most people.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• What time should I use light or melatonin?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Body clock sleep disorders (shift work, early sleep, non-24)