Before we explain what Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder (CRSD) we need to define circadian rhythm. Our bodies function according to a cycle, a sort of biological clock, located in the part of the brain part of the called the hypothalamus. The circadian rhythms are regular changes in mental and physical characteristics that occur in the course of a day (circadian is Latin for "around a day"). Light causes signals to be sent to several regions of the brain which causes the body to switch on and off the production of hormones. These cycles are synchronized with the sleep / wake cycle.
When we are deprived by light or some other external time cues, most of us suffer an affect to our internal clock. The circadian rhythms can be affected to some degree by almost any kind of external time cue, such as your alarm clock, the timing of your meals, etc.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders (CRSD) can be categorized in five distinct types; Jet Lag, Shift Work Related …show more content…
Symptoms much like jet lag are common in people who work nights or who perform shift work. Because these people's work schedules are at odds with powerful sleep-regulating cues like sunlight, they often become uncontrollably drowsy during work, and they may suffer insomnia or other problems when they try to sleep. Shift workers have an increased risk of heart problems, digestive disturbances, and emotional and mental problems, all of which may be related to their sleeping problems. The number and severity of workplace accidents also tend to increase during the night shift. Major industrial accidents attributed partly to errors made by fatigued night-shift workers include the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plant accidents. One study also found that medical interns working on the night shift are twice as likely as others to misinterpret hospital test records, which could endanger their
When we are deprived by light or some other external time cues, most of us suffer an affect to our internal clock. The circadian rhythms can be affected to some degree by almost any kind of external time cue, such as your alarm clock, the timing of your meals, etc.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders (CRSD) can be categorized in five distinct types; Jet Lag, Shift Work Related …show more content…
Symptoms much like jet lag are common in people who work nights or who perform shift work. Because these people's work schedules are at odds with powerful sleep-regulating cues like sunlight, they often become uncontrollably drowsy during work, and they may suffer insomnia or other problems when they try to sleep. Shift workers have an increased risk of heart problems, digestive disturbances, and emotional and mental problems, all of which may be related to their sleeping problems. The number and severity of workplace accidents also tend to increase during the night shift. Major industrial accidents attributed partly to errors made by fatigued night-shift workers include the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear power plant accidents. One study also found that medical interns working on the night shift are twice as likely as others to misinterpret hospital test records, which could endanger their