Dawn Simulators for DSPD
DSPD, or “Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome” is a difficult to treat sleep disorder that forces the sufferer into a drastically off-set, but otherwise normal, sleep pattern. Usually developing in early adolescence and childhood, it can have a drastic and long-term effect on the lives of those diagnosed with it.
Essentially, sufferers of DSPD are unable to retire to bed before a certain hour, the average time being 4 a.m., and their natural sleep cycle awakens them at noon. Obviously this would create obstacles for the child being aroused at an earlier time for school. They would be drowsy, and less alert. Since DSPD is a little-known and relatively recently defined disorder, most who live with it are labeled as lazy, or undisciplined. This simply isn’t true. Although DSPD can be difficult to treat, there is hope. Light Therapy is the most affordable, and arguably the most effective, option. Using a 10,000 lux, full-spectrum light box for 15 – 30 minutes in the morning can help to advance your circadian rhythm, allowing for an earlier and healthier start to your day. Conversely, bright light at the end of your day can delay your desire to sleep. eliminating bright lights from your environment before you choose to go to bed, even to the extreme of wearing shaded glasses, can help SDPD sufferers adjust to a more socially normal Sleep-wake schedule.
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