Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome

Definition

Definition of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD), also known as the advanced sleep-phase type (ASPT) of circadian rhythm sleep disorder or advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS), is a condition in which patients feel very sleepy and go to bed early in the evening (e.g. 6:00–8:00 p.m.) and wake up very early in the morning (e.g. around 3:00 a.m.).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
People with ASPD are unable to stay awake until their desired bedtime and unable to stay asleep until their desired waking time. They will complain to a sleep clinician of early morning insomnia and falling asleep early in the evening. When someone has advanced sleep phase syndrome their melatonin levels and core body temperature will cycle hours earlier than the average person. These symptoms must be present for at least three months in order to be correctly diagnosed.

Causes

Causes of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Consult with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
A physical exam is recommended to rule out the possibility of another sleep disorder or health problem. Since the symptoms of Advanced Sleep Phase are similar to hypersomnia, a sleep specialist can identify the exact reason for the advanced sleep pattern.A Sleep Log or diary of sleep habits is an integral part of diagnosing ASP. The sleep log will demonstrate a regular pattern of advanced sleep-that is otherwise normal. Sleep studies are not normally needed.

Treatment

Treatment of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Once diagnosed, ASPD can be treated with bright light therapy in the evenings or behaviorally with chronotherapy. Unlike other sleep disorders, ASPD does not disrupt normal functioning at work during the day and the patient does not complain of excessive daytime sleepiness. If their ASPD is causing people to lose out on evening activities, including putting their own normal children to bed, then they can force themselves to stay up later than their circadian rhythm wants them to. A sufferer of ASPD will still wake up very early and if this cycle continues it can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and other sleep disorders.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Consult with your doctor.