title: Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder.
abstract: Irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder characterized by multiple bouts of sleep within a 24-hour period. Patients present with symptoms of insomnia, including difficulty either falling or staying asleep, and daytime excessive sleepiness. The disorder is seen in a variety of individuals, ranging from children with neurodevelopmental disorders, to patients with psychiatric disorders, and most commonly in older adults with neurodegenerative disorders. Treatment of irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder requires a multimodal approach aimed at strengthening circadian synchronizing agents, such as daytime exposure to bright light, and structured social and physical activities. In addition, melatonin may be useful in some patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: sabra.abbott@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Sabra M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Phyllis C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Zee
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Circadian rhythm; Melatonin; Sleep-wake rhythm disorder; Suprachiasmatic nucleus