Most people get sleepy around the same time everyday, also they wake up around the same time. But sometimes people struggle with irregular sleep patterns that don't match the typical 24-hour day. For example, you could fall asleep at 10 p.m. one night but not be able to sleep until 1 a.m. the next. The delay worsens until you're falling asleep at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., and later every night.

This could be due to a condition known as Non 24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder, or Non-24 for short. In this blog, we’ll understand Non 24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder in simple terms.

What is Non 24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder?

Non-24 is a circadian rhythm problem that happens when our internal clock does not correspond to the light and dark cycles of the day and night. This means that each day, their sleep time and wake time might shift later and later, causing their sleep schedule to drift out of sync with the normal day-night cycle.

Non-24 is more commonly seen in blind people. Our body clock, also called the circadian rhythm, is influenced by light. In people who are blind, especially those who cannot perceive light at all, their internal clock might not get the signals it needs to stay on a 24-hour cycle. As a result, their sleep patterns may become irregular. However, it can affect persons with normal vision as well.

Symptoms of Non-24

The very first symptom of Non-24 is difficulty falling asleep and waking up at the same time every day. The symptoms of these multiple conditions vary based on the specific disorder. You may have experienced the following:

  • Trouble falling asleep (insomnia).
  • It is difficult to stay asleep.
  • Trouble getting back asleep in the middle of the night or in the early morning.
  • Waking up earlier than you intended or planned.
  • Sleep inertia or inconsistent sleep-wake periods might make it difficult to get up.
  • Daytime sleepiness can lead to hypersomnia.
  • Needing to snooze during the day.
  • Fatigue.
  • Headaches.
  • Lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability, and other concerns.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Non-24 can be challenging because it requires keeping track of a person’s sleep patterns over time. Non-24 can be misinterpreted for sleep deprivation or psychological disorders. The doctor you see is going to ask about your medical history. They could suggest you to keep a sleep journal for a few weeks, or perhaps months, to assist track your sleep patterns. You can also wear a sensor that monitors your movement and records your sleep and activity habits.

You should already prepare yourself with the answers as your doctor can ask you questions like:

  • Do you wake up from your sleep feeling rested?
  • How much do you want to sleep during the day, and how does it vary from day to day?
  • How difficult is it for you to focus?
  • How frequently do you fall asleep during the day?
  • Are you feeling relaxed after sleeping?
  • How have your sleep habits impacted your professional, personal, and social lives?
  • When was the last time you got a decent nights' sleep?
  • Throughout the day, how do you manage to stay awake?

Adult blindness can be treated with timed melatonin. The right melatonin dosage and timing should be determined by the patient in collaboration with their sleep physician.

Light therapy can assist those who are blind in regaining their body clock's strength. Other planned actions may also be beneficial.

Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a drug that has FDA approval for treating this illness. See your doctor for additional information on this and other choices.

Once the person settles into a schedule that is in line with the social day and night, accompanying symptoms like daytime tiredness usually go away. Once these therapies are stopped, a person's body clock will typically become desynchronized once more.

How to Live with Non-24

Living with Non-24 can be difficult, but there are ways to manage it. There are other things you can do to manage your disease beyond treatment. Try to think of inventive ways to cope with your changing sleep schedule. Consider the things that matter and the ways in which you might improve your life.

For example, you could have to request flexible work schedules from your employer. If you're a student, you might think about watching lectures on video or enrolling in programs online. Talk with your school about lessening your course load or obtaining a flexible exam schedule.

Developing a consistent sleep schedule, even if it doesn’t match the traditional day-night cycle, can help regulate sleep. Creating a sleep-friendly environment, such as keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime, can also be beneficial.

Conclusion

Non 24 Hour Sleep Wake Disorder is a rare condition that affects the body’s internal clock, causing irregular sleep patterns. While it primarily affects blind individuals, anyone can develop this disorder.

Understanding Non-24 is the first step towards finding ways to cope with its challenges and improve quality of life. By learning more about this disorder, we can better support those affected and raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits for everyone.

Another option to improve the quality of your sleep is to use a bamboo pillow. People of all ages love it because it has so many more advantages than traditional pillows. The memory foam filling of bamboo pillows can mold to your head and neck, maintaining proper posture and spinal alignment.