What are the side effects of delayed sleep phase syndrome?

Doctor's Answers 1

Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) commonly starts in adolescence as it is thought to be related to the surge of testosterone in young people. It is commonly seen in young men but I do come across young women with the same problem as well in my clinical practice. This is not surprising as women also have androgens in their body. In delayed sleep phase syndrome, the individual would sleep late and wake up late.

Typically, they sleep at 2-4 am, and then wake up 6-8 hours later. In terms of sleep duration and sleep quality, they are okay; the main problem is the timing of their sleep. The basic problem is that their biological clock is out of sync with the external environment.

The common problems DSPS sufferers experience include: challenges with schooling and work as they are not able to get out of bed at 6 or 7 am; social isolation as their friends' sleeping pattern would be different from theirs; depression which could be a result of the difficulty in maintaining friendship and a meaningful relationship.

Treatment for DSPS include light therapy and chronotherapy. Light therapy involves exposure to bright light in the morning. Chronotherapy involves trying to modify the sleeping time by shifting it so that it can eventually fit into the patient's lifestyle and commitments. It will be good to seek treatment from a doctor who has experience in helping patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Similar Questions

Why is sleep quality worse with alcohol consumption even though I can sleep in a deeper state?

Quite a number of patients resort to drinking alcohol in an attempt to overcome their problem with the initiation of sleep. No doubt, after drinking alcohol, one can usually fall asleep much faster. The chief drawback is that alcohol leads to sleep fragmentation, which means that the person may wake up after every 2 to 3 hours and, hence, it is harder for him to get into a deep sleep. Deep sleep is important for tissue repair and rest. Alcohol also suppresses REM sleep, which is important for memory consolidation.

Photo of Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Answered By

Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Psychiatrist

Is it true that while sleeptalking people are more honest?

Sleep talking is a sleep disorder known as somniloquy. For people who sleep talk, they are typically not aware of the experience and will not recall it the next day. If you’re a sleep talker, you may talk in full sentences, speak gibberish, or talk in a voice or language different from what you’d use while awake. Sleep talking appears to be harmless, but it may increase in frequency when the person is stressed or anxious [1]. The clinician will ask about abnormal movements and behaviour (e. g. , sleepwalking, REM sleep behaviour disorder) that may accompany sleep.

Photo of Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Answered By

Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Psychiatrist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox