Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) is a disorder in which a person’s sleep time is early in relation to the time of day. This syndrome results in symptoms of evening sleepiness, an early sleep onset, and an awakening time that is earlier than desired.
What causes ASPS?
The disorder is related to circadian rhythms, which regulate the internal biological clock and influence functions such as sleep-wake patterns. While the causes are not exactly known, it is believed to an inherited condition. ASPS is more likely to appear in the elderly.
What are the symptoms of ASPS?
People with advanced sleep phase syndrome have:
- An inability to stay awake until the desired bedtime and/or an inability to remain asleep until the desired time of awakening.
- A habitual sleep period that is of normal quality and duration, with a sleep onset earlier than desired.
- The tendency to awaken spontaneously earlier than desired.
In people who have ASPS, daytime school or work activities are not affected by sleepiness. However, evening activities are cut short by the need to retire early. Typical sleep onset times are between 6 and 8 p.m., and no later than 9 p.m., and wake times between 1 and 3 a.m., and no later than 5 a.m. These sleep-onset and wake times occur despite a person’s best efforts to delay sleep to later hours.
How is ASPS treated?
Advanced sleep phase syndrome is treated with chronotherapy--a behavioral technique in which bedtime is systematically delayed--or with bright light therapy. Bright-light therapy is designed to reset a person’s circadian rhythm to a later hour.
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