Irregular Sleep-Wake SyndromeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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.
Franciscan Medical Clinic On Pt. Fosdick
Alma Glamzi is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Gig Harbor, Washington. Dr. Glamzi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Obesity, Obesity in Children, High Cholesterol, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Dr. Glamzi is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine. Dr. Glamzi is currently accepting new patients.
Franciscan Medical Clinic - Burien
Maria Flores is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Burien, Washington. Dr. Flores is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Osteomyelitis in Children, Obesity, and Obesity in Children. Dr. Flores is board certified in American Board Of Family Medicine. Dr. Flores is currently accepting new patients.
Texas Health Family Care
Cynthia Shughrue is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Shughrue is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Irregular Sleep-Wake Syndrome. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol. Dr. Shughrue is currently accepting new patients.
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 04, 2026
Published By: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP, Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. 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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