How to Diagnose Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Circadian rhythm disorders are often referred to as problems that affect a person's internal clock. The circadian clock is located in the hypothalamus of the brain and controls sleep patterns. When you have a circadian rhythm disorder, you normally experience extreme sleepiness.

Instructions

1. Consider your symptoms. Sufferers of circadian rhythm disorders are likely to feel very sleepy during waking hours. They may also have trouble falling asleep at night and then are unable to wake up in the morning for work or school.

2. Examine factors that may have caused your sleep disorder. Circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by medication use, shift work, change of time zones or pregnancy.

3. Speak to a doctor if the symptoms are severe. If the circadian rhythm disorder's symptoms persist, make an appointment with your doctor to see if he can help.

4. Get a physical exam. A physical and blood work can rule out any other reasons that you are experience difficulty sleeping.

5. Undergo sleep studies. Sleep studies can be conducted to determine what type of circadian rhythm disorder is present. You may be observed while sleeping at a center or asked to keep a journal to record your sleep patterns.

Tips & Warnings

• There are numerous types of circadian rhythm disorders. The most common ones include jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, delayed sleep phase syndrome and non-24-hour sleep wake disorder.

• A person may also experience circadian rhythm disorders during an illness. However, once the illness has been cured, sleep patterns should return back to normal.