It’s normal to be a little off when it comes to your sleeping patterns every once in a while. However, if you are experiencing a chronic inability to fall asleep and it’s affecting your daily life – it may be time to have a discussion with your doctor or a sleep specialist, especially if you are blind.
Non-24 hour Sleep Wake Disorder is especially common in those who are blind or who have no light perception. This condition disrupts the circadian rhythm sleep cycle and it is estimated that 65,000 blind people in the United States have this condition.
Susan, who suffers from Non-24, works to balance a busy career, a social life and family. She said she struggled to get a diagnosis, but her persistence with her doctor made all the difference.
“It wasn’t easy getting diagnosed,” Susan said.
She received the diagnosis after participating in a sleep study of women who are blind where she had to keep a sleep journal and undergo some physical and hormonal tests.
The circadian rhythm extends just beyond your ability to sleep. In an everyday context, it’s the daily activity cycle that drives the rhythms of our bodies, from digestion to sleep cycles, the impact of circadian rhythms can be felt everywhere. When the rhythm is off, the impacts do not go unnoticed.
People with Non-24 find it hard to fall asleep at the desired time at night and wake up at the desired time in the morning. Suffering from episodic sleep deprivation or dozing off at inopportune times, people with the disorder may have difficulties adjusting to vacations, stress, evening activities, daylight savings time, illness and other everyday activities.
“There are definite effects on your relationships,” Susan said. “At its worst, you go through periods where you are sleep deprived for weeks. You’re tired, irritable, less productive at work, and short-tempered with people you’re close to. “
Currently there is not treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but there have been several promising clinical studies underway that may lead to a safe and effective therapy.
If you feel that you are suffering from a chronic sleep disorder and wakefulness and are blind or have no light perception, it is encouraged that you have a discussion with a doctor or a sleep specialist. It is also beneficial to keep up on the latest news and information.