Masako Okawa
Tokyo Medical University, Japan
Title: Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: Characteristics and entrainment pathology in delayed sleep phase and non-24 sleep-wake syndrome
Biography
Biography: Masako Okawa
Abstract
The sleep-wake rhythm in humans is regulated by the circadian timing system and disorders of this system are known as circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSD) which can have multiple etiologies but result in mal-adjustment of the biological clock with respect to the environment. Th is presentation will focus on a clinical review of delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and non-24-h sleep-wake syndrome (non-24) which are representative syndromes in CRDS. Th ese syndromes seem to be common and under-recognized in society not only in the blind but also typicallyemerging during adolescence. Both types of syndrome can appear alternatively or intermittently in an individual patient. Psychiatric problems are also common in both syndromes. DSPS and non-24 could share common circadian rhythm pathology in terms of clinical process and biological evidence. Th e biological basis is characterized by a longer sleep period, a prolonged interval from the body temperature nadir-tosleep off set, a relatively advanced temperature rhythm, lower sleep propensity aft er total sleep deprivation and higher sensitivity to light than in normal controls. Th ere are multiple lines of evidence suggesting dysfunctions at the behavioral, physiological and genetic levels. Treatment procedures and prevention of the syndromes require further attention using behavioral, environmental and psychiatric approaches since an increasing number of patients in modern society suff er from these disorders.