Circadian Amplitude Disorder (CAD) : Apollo Health

Circadian Amplitude Disorder (CAD means your body clock may be producing lower amounts of the night/day hormones during the day. If you have CAD, you may not have problems waking up or going to sleep, but the quality of the wakefulness and/or sleep is diminished. This means you'll probably have less energy during the day.

CAD Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Lack of energy and/or low mood during the day.

Inability to concentrate, be alert or accomplish tasks

Usually fall asleep and awaken without problems.

How CAD Affects You

Because your circadian rhythm is not as strong or pronounced as a normal circadian rhythm, your body is not receiving enough of the right hormones during the day. Your body receives enough of a signal to be able to sleep and wake up at the right time, but doesn't produce enough serotonin to be very active during the day, particularly during the evening hours. Also, your body clock doesn't produce enough melatonin to sustain a proper sleep cycle. CAD can also cause you to be less productive, and more susceptible to sickness.

CAD sufferers may not notice sleep problems but may experience energy and/or mood problems during the day. Although you may not notice sleep problems, you may not be getting refreshing sleep. If you experience a lack of energy or feel 'down' at times during the day, your sleep may be a factor.

Treatment Recommendations for DCR

BRITEWAVE™ Light Therapy

BRITEWAVE™ light therapy is the most effective treatment for Delayed Circadian Rhythm problems. You should use the light in the morning. However, timing is very important, and you may need to use a 'shifting' schedule for the first few days. Refer to the treatment schedule below to know when to use the light.

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Dawn Simulation

Dawn Simulation has also been clinically proven in sleep labs and universities to help treat DCR. Dawn simulation helps you maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by sending a properly timed signal of light through the retina of the eye to the brain's Suprachaismatic nucleus, or body clock in the hypothalamus. The light signal slowly increases in intensity, just like a morning sunrise, providing exactly the right stimulus of light to reset the body clock while not being too bright to cause premature awakening. Dawn simulation is effective for treating mild Delayed Circadian Rhythm Problems, and improves the effectiveness of treating moderate to severe cases when combined with bright light in the morning.