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Patients with Irregular Sleep-Wake Pattern will usually have a typical
average sleep time within a 24 hour period, but it will be broken up into
three or more shorter blocks of sleep time in each 24hr time period. This
article will go into the differences between this and other circadian
rhythm disorders.
WHAT IS IRREGULAR SLEEP-WAKE DISORDER?
Unlike patients with Advanced Sleep Phase, Delayed Sleep Phase, and
Non-24 Sleep-Wake Syndrome, a sleep log kept by patients will show no
recognizable patterns of sleep or wake times. Instead, sleep will be
broken up into multiple shorter blocks in each 24-hr time period, with
great unpredictability in sleep-wake timing.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Page 127 of the ICSD 2001 states:
A. The patient has a complaint of either insomnia or excessive
sleepiness.
B. The patient has an irregular pattern of at least three sleep
episodes during a 24-hour period.
C. The sleep pattern has been present for at least three months.
D. Total average sleep time per 24-hour period is normal for age.
E. Disturbed chronobiologic rhythmicity is demonstrated by either
of the following:
E-1. Continuous polysomnographic monitoring for at least 24 hours shows
a loss of the normal sleep-wake pattern
E-2. Continuous temperature monitoring for at least 24 hours shows a
loss of the normal temperature
F. No medical or mental disorder accounts for the symptom.
G. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for any other sleep disorder
causing insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
Minimal Criteria: A plus B plus
C, OR, B plus E.
Severity is graded on the respective amount of insomnia or excessive
sleepiness; higher severity with more insomnia/sleepiness.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
As with any really unusual medical condition, the hardest part is often
getting a doctor to take you seriously in the first place!
Generally the patient will be first advised to maintain a log of their
wake/sleep times. This will be the fastest way to see what your sleep
patterns are like, see if you're getting a decent sleep in any sleep
interval, and if any predisposing factors are at work.
Predisposing factors include: work schedule, pain levels, depression,
excessive time spent in bed (voluntarily or involuntarily), anemia (which
can leave a patient tired all the time if it progresses far enough),
sleep apnea, restless limbs during sleep, and so on. While most cases
of Irregular Sleep-Wake tend to be due to a brain dysfunction, it's
important to rule out any treatable or simple cause first!
A sleep study up to three days in length may be required (to monitor
all wake/sleep periods) if there is a need to rule out other sleep disorders
- this can be done in a lab, or at home with a small device usually
worn on the wrist called an "Actigraph".
Brain imaging tests may show the presence of a physical brain abnormality
that is contributing to the sleep problem.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment for irregular sleep-wake rhythm is aimed at trying to increase
stimulation to reset the sleep clock in the brain. The goal is to have
one long sleep time at night and one long awake time during the day.
Bright Light Therapy
This works by increasing the amount of natural sun exposure - or it's
equivalent - during the day, and avoiding it during the evening and
night. Specially designed "daylight bulbs" may be more useful
to some if sun exposure isn't practical. These daylight bulbs can be
acquired in various forms, such as a light box, a desk lamp, and even
a visor that you wear.
Improving Sleep Hygiene
Various sleep hygiene improvements will be suggested such as maintaining
a regular sleep schedule - even on weekends, encouraging evening activities
that will help the patient stay awake until the desired sleep time,
and making the sleep environment more comfortable.
Other methods
Melatonin, sleep aids, wake aids, vitamin B12, and other medications
and supplements may be used in an attempt to reset the sleep clock and
keep it that way. Physical activity is encouraged duirng the day, and
minimal noise and activity at night.
~SphynxCatVP, September 2010
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