Sleep Medicine: Cutting Edge Insights and Innovations Post Graduate Course-A New Take on Insomnia and Incorporating Circadian Realignment DAS

A New Take on Insomnia and Incorporating Circadian Realignment DAS

Pdf Summary

The document outlines a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing insomnia by integrating circadian realignment. Authored by Aneesa M. Das, MD, FCCP, it addresses key learning objectives such as identifying circadian misalignment in patients, understanding social jetlag, and describing how light and melatonin affect circadian rhythms.<br /><br />The document explores the impacts of modern lifestyle changes, like reduced natural light exposure and increased use of electrical lighting, on human circadian physiology, which can delay sleep timing. It emphasizes the importance of markers like Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) and Body Temperature Minimum (BTM) for understanding circadian rhythms.<br /><br />Several case studies demonstrate how circadian misalignment can manifest in real-life scenarios, like night shifts, travel across time zones, and social or work-related schedule changes. The case studies also provide solutions for patients experiencing insomnia due to circadian misalignment, such as adjusting exposure to natural light, minimizing evening electronic usage, and regularizing sleep schedules.<br /><br />Social jetlag — the discrepancy between sleep patterns on workdays and free days — is highlighted as a significant modern challenge, exacerbated by late chronotypes and lifestyle habits, which can lead to various health issues such as impaired cognition, obesity, and diabetes. The document suggests strategies for minimizing social jetlag, including consistent wake times and morning outdoor activities to enhance natural light exposure.<br /><br />In summary, the document offers insightful methods to address sleep disorders through circadian realignment and illustrates the impact of lifestyle changes on sleep quality, providing practical interventions to improve sleep health and manage insomnia effectively.

Keywords

insomnia

circadian realignment

circadian misalignment

social jetlag

melatonin

light exposure

sleep disorders

lifestyle changes

sleep quality

Aneesa M. Das