Premium
Circadian rhythm disorders among adolescents: assessment and treatment options
Author(s) -
Bartlett Delwyn J,
Biggs Sarah N,
Armstrong Stuart M
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/mja13.10912
Subject(s) - delayed sleep phase , melatonin , mood , circadian rhythm , medicine , psychiatry , psychology , depression (economics) , insomnia , clinical psychology , sleep disorder , economics , macroeconomics
Summary Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) — a circadian rhythm sleep disorder — is most commonly seen in adolescents. The differential diagnosis between DSPD and conventional psychophysiological insomnia is important for correct therapeutic intervention. Adolescent DSPD sleep duration is commonly 9 hours or more. Depression may be comorbid with DSPD. DSPD has a negative impact on adolescent academic performance. DSPD treatments include bright light therapy, chronotherapeutic regimens, and administration of melatonin as a chronobiotic (as distinct from a soporific). Attention to non‐photic and extrinsic factors including healthy sleep parameters is also important to enable better sleep and mood outcomes in adolescents.