brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Changes in behavior Sleep aids and, when awake, occasionally drugs to stimulate the brain Developing good sleep habits can help. Exposure of the eyes to bright light at appropriate times may be the most helpful strategy. Such exposure helps reset the internal clock. For example, to minimize Sleep Disturbance (Jet Lag) , travelers should spend time in sunlight, particularly in the morning, after they reach their destination. Shift workers should spend time in bright light (sunlight or artificial light) at times when they should be awake. Wearing sunglasses on the way home from work reduces exposure to bright light before bedtime and may help shift workers fall asleep more easily after arriving home. While shift workers are asleep, they should make the bedroom as dark and quiet as possible. Sleep masks and white-noise devices can be used. Exposure to bright light in the morning may help people with delayed sleep disorder. Bright light in the evening may help people with advanced sleep disorder. Another strategy is to gradually shift the sleep-wake schedule to the one that is desired. Travelers may benefit from gradually shifting their schedule to approximate that of their destination, beginning well ahead of travel time. 