Home » Circadian » Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome Delayed sleep phase syndrome which is abbreviated as DSPS is also known as phase lag syndrome, and is one of the Circadian Rhythm Sleep disorders. The Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is a sleep disorder which includes a disturbance in the circadian rhythm or the biological clock of the human body. The case of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome, even though seems similar to the disorders like jet lag or the after effects of working in shifts is much more complicated. The Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is a never ceasing condition. According to what the sleep experts have to say, this is one of the most common complications that disturbs the sleeping patterns.

Delayed sleep phase syndrome occurs as a result of desynchronization. This desynchronization occurs between the internal biological clock of the concerned patient which is supposed to work in rhythm with the external environment. Like it happens in jet lag, this desynchronization does not occur due to traveling or change in the time zones, i.e. the external environment. Rather in the Delayed sleep phase syndrome, the tendency of the patient falling asleep is delayed. This shows that the person suffering from DSPS has been desynchronized from the normal body routine that controls the system of the person. In this case, the patients are normally not able to sleep in the early hours and generally fall asleep before 2 a.m.

The patients suffering from Delayed sleep phase syndrome also find it difficult to wake up in the morning in the usual time when one wakes up. Many of the times, the people who are suffering from DSPS are also referred to as the "night owls". One may suggest that if they sleep for more hours like 7 to 8 hours, they can get a complete rest. When they have this complete rest they can function normally the rest of the day. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. The major problem with the people suffering from DSPS is that their normal circadian rhythm is disturbed when they have to wake up early to attend school or office regularly. Person suffering from DSPS may fail in schools or even lose out on their jobs.

The patients who are suffering from DSPS may initially experience insomnia or sleeplessness. Just when a person deviates from his normal pattern of sleep they begin to think they cannot sleep normally but one should not think that way. These patients can even get a plentiful sleep, the only difference is that there sleeping pattern has changed. DSPS makes it hard to wake up in the morning when simultaneously indulging in a late night sleep routine.

The main causes of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome are not clear. However, Circadian rhythms regulate the internal biological clock and the other functions like sleeping and wake up patterns are usually said to be out of phase Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. It can occur in patients who have suffered from head trauma or severe illness. Even lifestyles also contribute a lot in causing Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. One of the biggest symptoms is the inability to sleep before early in the morning.