Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm:
This rather unusual circadian rhythm disorder relates to an inability to sleep in a consolidated period overnight. Rather, someone with this condition will sleep in short naps scattered over the 24-hour period. Though the sleep is greatly fragmented, the total amount of sleep is normal. It may result in individuals with a brain injury or in those who choose to observe an unusual sleep pattern.
As with the other circadian disorders, it is diagnosed with the use of sleep logs and actigraphy. Prolonged polysomnogram recordings may also be helpful. The treatment includes light therapy and melatonin as well as strict adherence to schedules.
Example: Tom is an 88-year-old man who has suffered a stroke. He had a prior history of dementia and lives in a nursing home. He often spends 2-hour periods of the day taking long naps. His sleep at night also occurs in short episodes and he complains of insomnia as well as excessive daytime sleepiness.
Learn more about circadian rhythm disorders.
Source:
American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "International classification of sleep disorders: Diagnostic and coding manual." 2nd ed. 2005.
