Learn About Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome
Irregular sleep-wake syndrome is sleeping without any real schedule.
Sleep-wake syndrome - irregular; Circadian rhythm sleep disorder - irregular sleep-wake type
This disorder is very rare. It usually occurs in people with a brain function problem who also don't have a regular routine during the day. The total sleep time is normal, but the body clock loses its normal circadian cycle.
People with changing work shifts and travelers who often change time zones may also have these symptoms. These people have a different condition, such as shift work sleep disorder or jet lag syndrome.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Sleeping or napping more than usual during the day
- Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night
- Waking up often during the night
The goal of treatment is to help the person return to a normal sleep-wake cycle. This may involve:
- Setting up a regular daytime schedule of activities and mealtimes.
- Not staying in bed during the day.
- Using bright light therapy in the morning and taking melatonin at bedtime. (In older people, especially those with dementia, sedatives such as melatonin are not advised.)
- Making sure the room is dark and quiet at night.
Isabel Munoz-Morales practices in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Ms. Munoz-Morales is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Postpartum Depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Hannah Scott practices in Adelaide, Australia. Ms. Scott is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome, Insomnia, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension.
Aurora Family Medicine
Amit Gupta is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Dr. Gupta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Central Sleep Apnea, Obesity, Insomnia, and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS).
The outcome is often good with treatment. But some people continue to have this disorder, even with treatment.
Most people have sleep disturbances on occasion. If this type of irregular sleep-wake pattern occurs regularly and without cause, see your provider.
Published Date: May 07, 2024
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Auger RR, Burgess HJ, Emens JS, Deriy LV, Thomas SM, Sharkey KM. Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of intrinsic circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders: advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD), delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD), non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder (N24SWD), and irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder (ISWRD). An update for 2015: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med. 2015:11(10):1199-1236. PMID: 26414986 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26414986/.
Avidan AY. Sleep and its disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 101.