What Are Circadian Rhythm Disorder Symptoms? - Dr. Wolfe (VIDEO)

Dr. Wolfe:

Most circadian rhythm disorders manifest because folks have a hard time sleeping when they want to sleep--either you are too sleepy early in the evening, or on the other hand, it’s time to go to bed and you are wide awake. People sometimes might refer to themselves as being a night owl or a lark or a morning person, but if it gets to the extreme where being a night owl or being a lark is impairing your ability to work, to attend social functions, then it’s something you should talk to your doctor about.

We know the two biggest inputs for getting that body clock back where it needs to be are light, sunlight, actual blue wavelength of sunlight, as well as melatonin, which is a substance your body makes. It’s the dark signal. It’s the opposite of light. It tells your body it’s night out.

We can use that light in melatonin to help shift and rearrange the body clock, making it back in line where a person wants it to be.

About Dr. Lisa Wolfe, M.D.:
Dr. Lisa Wolfe, M.D., earned her medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. She completed her residency and her fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Wolfe is board certified in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and sleep medicine.

Visit Dr. Wolfe at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation

Average Select ratingPoorFairAverageGoodExcellent

 

Rate This

More on This

• Is Sleepwalking More Common Than Previously Thought? - HER Daily Dose
• Are American Workers Getting Enough Sleep? - HER Daily Dose
• Sleep Apnea & Restless Leg Syndrome - Frank's Story
• Sleep Enhances Emotionally Positive Memories - HER Daily Dose

Around the Web

Tags

• Sleep Disorders