Living with Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome
A sleep condition in which the body clock runs longer than 24 hours, so sleep and wake times keep shifting later.
Understanding Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome
People have a steady pattern of one- to two-hour delays in falling asleep and waking, even in normal living conditions. It most often affects people who are blind, because they sense light and dark poorly. It can also affect sighted people. GARD says melatonin levels may play a role.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Sleep and wake times that keep shifting later
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Low energy and strength (asthenia)
- Depression
- Blindness
- Abnormal melatonin release by the pineal gland
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Circadian Sleep Disorders Network may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Circadian Sleep Disorders Network
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Circadian Sleep Disorders Network and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
In blind people, an impaired sense of light and dark cycles is the cause. In sighted people the cause isn't fully understood, but studies suggest melatonin levels play a role.
Also known as: circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free running type; circadian rhythm sleep disorder, free-running type; hypernychthemeral syndrome; non-24; non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder
Patient organizations
- Circadian Sleep Disorders NetworkNon-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome · United States
- Project SleepNon-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome.
Explore research for Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.