brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Drugs
If symptoms persist, sleep aids with effects that last only a short time (short-acting drugs) may help people with insomnia sleep better, and drugs that stimulate the brain (such asmodafinil) may help people feel more alert during the day, or, for people with shift work disorder, during their awake time. However, these drugs do not adjust the body rhythms any faster. Melatonin may help minimize the effects of jet lag and problems related to working shifts. Tasimelteonacts likemelatonin. It can help people who are totally blind and have non–24-hour sleep-wake syndrome by increasing nighttime sleep time and decreasing daytime sleep time. This drug is taken by mouth before bedtime at the same time every night. The most common side effects are headaches and abnormal dreams or nightmares. 