Body Clock -- Delayed Sleep Syndrom Treatment?!
Question: I have never been able to sleep well at night time. Ever since I was a kid, I have always had a hard time sleeping at night but as soon as sunrise hit, I would get sleepy. It's like from 9pm til 6 am I am wide awake. I know this has something to do with circadian rhythems etc. My mom always said I should move to australia, and would call me a vampire. Anyhow have been told this is called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrom, but there doesn't seem to be anything that works longterm. I lay in bed for hours trying to sleep. it messes my entire life up.
Answers: I have never been able to sleep well at night time. Ever since I was a kid, I have always had a hard time sleeping at night but as soon as sunrise hit, I would get sleepy. It's like from 9pm til 6 am I am wide awake. I know this has something to do with circadian rhythems etc. My mom always said I should move to australia, and would call me a vampire. Anyhow have been told this is called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrom, but there doesn't seem to be anything that works longterm. I lay in bed for hours trying to sleep. it messes my entire life up.
I've heard that supplementing melatonin and light therapy, and chronotherapy, have been used in helping people reset their circadian rhythms, but I would not advocate anything without you having discussed it with a professional who is qualified to treat sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can be complex, and as you already have a diagnosis, I would hope that you have a team with whom you can discuss treatment with. If you do not have a team "on your side", seek out a patient advocate who can help you get a treatment program that you are confident in (even if it doesn't work - at least you know you can go to your team if you have these questions).
Now, sleep disorders can be difficult to treat, and it sounds like this is something that you may have for your entire life. If I recall properly, Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is one that can be a lifelong problem and patients may to "embrace" their disorder, so to speak. I know that this isn't an easy answer, and something that is deeper than what you're asking on here.. but have you considered that your circadian rhythms are what they are? There are many professions where overnight shifts are possible, and this may be something that will help - acceptance. I know that's not the answer that anyone wants to hear when they have something that is debilitating in their life.. but it is something that sometimes we must do. Many cities have bustling populations of "night owls"... believe me you're not the only one!
I would really encourage you to talk to a professional with a specialty in sleep disorders about the fact that your treatments aren't working, and what the best course of action would be from there. It may be that you have another underlying sleep disorder, or that the right treatment hasn't been found for you.
Good luck.
I suggest no sleeping pills, they ruin your life. I have this routine that makes me fall asleep. I told many others to do the same and the minute there heads hit the pillow, they fell asleep. I will tell you the routine, and try it tonight see what happens....: number 1- brush teeth, number 2- use the toilet ( you cant go to the bathroom for 8 hours), number 3- pray ( I know this might sound religous but if you pray to him, he won't give you your tirednewss back, he'll give you the oppertunity to get your sleep back, number 4- drink some ice cold milk or water, number 5- puff up pillow, number 6- try listening to a cd player or ipod of your favorite songs,(Ihave an i-home) and it works well! number 7- before you know it you're asleep. Trust me on this one:P
I have the exact same problem!