Delayed sleep phase (night owl body clock)

Overview

Sleep itself is normal if you can sleep on your own schedule.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Can't fall asleep until very late
• Can't fall asleep until very late, hard to wake up

Less common

• Hard to wake up

Look up a symptom: Can't fall asleep until very late, hard to wake up · Trouble sleeping

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

• Teens

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by sleep history.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Sleep diary:

Treatment

Shift the clock.

Self-care

• Get bright light right after waking
• Dim lights and screens at night
• Keep the same wake time daily

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.

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.

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.

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 Delayed sleep phase (night owl body clock)