Circadian Sleep Disorders Network (CSDN) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic circadian sleep rhythm disorders.
Circadian sleep disorders are neurological disorders in which the sleep-wake cycle is out of sync with the day-night cycle. Common disorders are those who are extreme night owls or morning larks, or a very rare condition from a brain clock that cycles slightly longer than 24 hours. This may cause someone to cycle “round the clock” over about a month. Circadian sleep disorders can affect anyone, but they are common among people who are blind.
Circadian sleep disorders often disrupt work, school, and parenting. Abnormal circadian rhythms impact metabolism, heart, and brain function. CSDN spreads information about the disorders to foster understanding and scheduling accommodations. For people living with circadian sleep rhythm disorders, attempting to live on a normal daytime schedule, in the absence of successful treatment, results in severe sleep deprivation, which can have serious health consequences.
The goals of the Circadian Sleep Disorders Network are to:
1.) Increase awareness within the medical community and among the general public.
2.) Provide emotional support and practical ideas for people living with these disorders.
3.) Inform patients and health care providers about treatment options.
4.) Encourage research into circadian rhythms.
5.) Advocate for accommodations in education and employment for people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Possible symptoms of circadian rhythm sleep disorders include:
- Not being able to fall asleep at a typical bedtime, known as insomnia.
- Trouble waking up in the morning in time to go to work or school.
- Extreme daytime drowsiness.
- Trouble staying alert during the day.
