Clinical Management of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

Abstract

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that results in a late timed sleep pattern. Individuals have difficulty falling asleep at a conventional hour and difficulty waking in the morning. We discuss the contributing factors and consequences of a delayed sleep phase and describe treatment approaches. These include therapies to phase change the delayed sleep circadian rhythm such as morning bright light exposure, exogenous melatonin administration, and chronotherapy as well as some behavioral strategies.