Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is very common in teens and young adults. It one of the most common sleep disturbance related to circadian rhythm. It occurs when a person's body clock runs very late and the individual will stay up until one or two a.m. (or even later) and sleep very late in the morning. For teen aged students, this can be a problem. Some of them stay up as late as four a.m. and often have trouble staying awake in class.
One possible treatment for DSPS is light treatment. The individual is exposed to very bright light (10,000 lux for at least 30 minutes daily or 2,500 lux for at least two hours daily). The treatment makes it easier for the individual to awaken earlier and change the sleep-wake pattern. The best time for treatment is immediately after awakening or very soon thereafter.