Advanced Circadian Rhythm Disorder

With advanced circadian rhythm disorder, the pineal gland releases the sleep hormone melatonin earlier in the evening causing people fall asleep and wake up earlier than they would like. People with ACR tend to feel tired early in the afternoon, and cannot perform normal function in the evening due to fatigue. Although they tend to have little difficulty falling asleep, people with ACR tend to compress the sleep portion of the daily cycle, and the melatonin secretion stops earlier in the morning, causing ACR sufferers often sleep less than 8 hours per night.

People with ACR commonly have:

* Difficulty staying awake in the afternoon and evening
* Difficulty sleeping in to a reasonable hour
* Decreased energy and alertness late in the day

Bright evening light has been shown to be the most effective treatment for ACR. Evening light slows release of melatonin, which will delay the onset of sleep. This will allow the person to sleep longer, and to have more energy in the late afternoon and evening.

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