What is Non 24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder?
This disorder is known to share symptoms that are similar to those found in other sleeping disorders. Generally, people can enjoy episodes of good sleep but soon after it is followed by poor sleep then good sleep once again and so on. It is a cycle of good sleep then bad or vice versa. The only way for a proper diagnosis is by health professionals, and doctors would generally tell the patients to keep a sleep diary. However, not all patients will exhibit a clear cut changing sleep-wake pattern, particularly in blind patients.
Treatment
Tasimelteon is generally used for patients particulary blind patients. Tasimelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist. It works by targeting receptors in the brain that controls the timing of the sleep-wake cycle (Sleep Foundation). However there are side effects in consuming this medication. Most common side effects include, headache, elevated liver enzymes, nightmares, unusual dreams, upper respiratory or urinary tract infection and drowsiness.
References: https://sleepfoundation.org/non-24/content/symptoms-diagnosis
Written By: Vivian Tse