Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by a shift in circadian rhythm resulting in early sleep onset and waking times. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "ad-vanst" is pronounced as /ˈædvænst/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "sleep" is pronounced as /sliːp/. The third syllable "phase" is pronounced as /feɪz/. Finally, the fourth syllable "syndrome" is pronounced as / ˈsɪndrəʊm/. Together, the word is pronounced as /ədˈvænst sliːp feɪz ˈsɪndrəʊm/.
Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by an abnormal sleep-wake schedule. People with ASPS experience a persistent pattern of falling asleep and waking up earlier than the conventional sleep/wake cycle. This condition occurs due to a shift in the body's internal biological clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Individuals with ASPS often find themselves feeling sleepy and going to bed early in the evening, typically much earlier than desired. Consequently, they tend to wake up extremely early in the morning and are unable to fall back asleep. This pattern persists regardless of the individual's efforts to adjust their sleep schedule. ASPS is more commonly observed in older adults, but it can affect individuals of any age group.
ASPS can cause disruptions in social and professional life, as individuals with this condition might feel drowsy during regular daytime hours and have difficulty staying awake. This disorder can lead to difficulties in maintaining a regular job or participating in social activities during typical waking hours.
Treatment for ASPS involves adjusting the sleep schedule by progressively delaying bedtime with exposure to bright lights in the evening. In some cases, short-term administration of melatonin or other sleep aids may be recommended. These interventions aim to gradually shift the body's internal clock to align with conventional sleep hours, allowing for better adaptation to societal norms.