There are some of us that just like to stay up late, and then there are some of us that can’t help but stay up late. These night owls could be suffering from something called delayed sleep phase disorder.
According to helpguide.org, delayed sleep phase disorder affects your 24-hour cycle of sleep and wakefulness, or your biological clock. You go to sleep and wake up much later than other people. For example, you may not get sleepy until 4 a.m., at which time you go to bed and sleep soundly until noon, or at least you would if your daytime responsibilities didn’t interfere.
Delayed sleep phase disorder makes it difficult for you to keep normal hours like a typical 9-to-5 job, or getting your kids off to school.
• It’s important to note that this sleeping problem is more than just a preference for staying up late. People with delayed sleep phase disorder are unable to get to sleep earlier than 2 to 6 a.m. no matter how hard they try. They struggle to go to sleep and get up at socially acceptable times.
• When allowed to keep their own hours (such as during a school break or holiday), they fall into a regular sleep schedule.
• Delayed sleep phase disorder is most common in teenagers, and many teens will eventually grow out of it. If you think you have a biological clock that is out of sync, there are treatments. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or local sleep clinic.
