What Causes Circadian Rhythm Disorders?

Issues With Mental Health

Issues with mental health, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, are all associated with disruptions in an individual's circadian rhythm. Researchers are still debating whether the issues with mental health cause the circadian rhythm disturbances or whether the circadian rhythm disorders themselves could trigger some types of mental health issues. Patients with mental health issues may have their circadian rhythm impacted in various ways. For example, some patients with depression will sleep longer than normal for them, and other depressed individuals may struggle with insomnia. Many patients with bipolar disorder who are experiencing an episode of mania could also struggle with insomnia and stay up for long periods at night. Normally, treatment for the mental health condition itself can help in resolving circadian rhythm problems, and patients may benefit from a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Keeping a sleep diary could be useful for patients with mental health conditions as it allows them to notice patterns in their sleeping and waking cycles. This information may be helpful to the patient's healthcare team as they work to design an appropriate treatment plan.

Get familiar with more causes of circadian rhythm disorders now.