When Your Internal Clock Falls Out of Sync
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders (CRSDs) occur when your internal body clock—the biological rhythm that regulates sleep and wakefulness—falls out of alignment with the environment or your daily routine. This can make it difficult to fall asleep, wake up at the right time, or feel alert during the day, even if you're getting enough hours of sleep.
At IP Diagnostics, we help individuals identify and manage circadian rhythm disorders through specialist assessments and personalised care plans, so your sleep can get back in sync with your life.
What Are Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders?
Your body has a natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, which is regulated by light exposure and other external cues. When this internal clock becomes misaligned—due to lifestyle, biological, or environmental factors—it can lead to sleep disturbances and daytime impairment.
There are several types of CRSDs, including:
- Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD): Falling asleep and waking much later than desired (common in adolescents and young adults)
- Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (ASWPD): Falling asleep and waking much earlier than usual (more common in older adults)
- Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder: Often seen in individuals who are completely blind, where the sleep-wake cycle shifts later each day
- Shift Work Disorder: Irregular sleep due to working night shifts or rotating shifts
- Jet Lag Disorder: Short-term disruption caused by crossing time zones
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep or waking at conventional times
- Feeling fully awake late at night and struggling to wake in the morning
- Early evening sleepiness and very early waking
- Daytime tiredness, reduced focus, or low mood
- Trouble maintaining a consistent sleep-wake routine
- Sleep that feels unrefreshing despite adequate duration
These disorders aren’t just about habit—they reflect real physiological disruptions in how your body regulates sleep.
What Causes Circadian Rhythm Disorders?
Circadian rhythm issues can arise from:
- Genetic predisposition (e.g. natural “night owls” or “early birds”)
- Exposure to artificial light, especially blue light from screens in the evening
- Irregular schedules, such as shift work or frequent travel across time zones
- Neurological conditions or blindness (in the case of non-24-hour rhythms)
- Inconsistent sleep habits, often starting in adolescence or university years
Identifying the cause is key to choosing the right treatment strategy.
How Are CRSDs Diagnosed?
At IP Diagnostics, we start with a thorough clinical assessment to understand your sleep history, daily routine, and overall health. We may recommend:
- Sleep diaries or actigraphy to track your sleep-wake patterns over one to two weeks
- Melatonin profile testing (via referral) to assess the timing of your internal clock
- In-home overnight sleep studies, if there are signs of coexisting sleep conditions like sleep apnoea
Our experienced sleep physiologists and consultant sleep physicians will work together to provide a clear diagnosis and guide you on how to restore healthy sleep rhythms.
Treatment Options for Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Treatment is highly individualised and depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Options may include:
- Light therapy: Exposure to bright light at strategic times to shift your sleep-wake cycle
- Melatonin supplementation: Taken at specific times to help reset your internal clock
- Sleep scheduling: Gradual adjustments to bedtime and wake-up times
- Behavioural strategies: Improving sleep hygiene, limiting screen use before bed, and stabilising routine
- Lifestyle modifications: Adjustments to work schedules, travel planning, or environmental cues
At IPD, we take a holistic approach—looking beyond symptoms to address the root of the problem and support long-term improvement.
Why Choose IP Diagnostics?
Circadian rhythm disorders are often misunderstood or mistaken for lifestyle choices. At IP Diagnostics, we provide evidence-based assessments and personalised support to help you take control of your sleep and daily function.
What we offer:
- Specialist-led clinical consultations
- Accurate diagnosis through home-based or wearable monitoring
- Flexible and discreet care tailored to your schedule
- Ongoing support to help you maintain progress
Is your sleep-wake cycle out of sync with your life?
Speak to our team today about assessing your sleep rhythm and getting back on track—day and night.