Delayed Circadian Rhythm (DCR) : Apollo Health

Delayed Circadian Rhythm (DCR) means your body clock is running slower than a normal circadian rhythm (24-hour period). Your body doesn't 'wake up' until later in the morning or day. You may have difficulty getting started in the morning, you may feel a bit groggy or down during part of the day, and you may experience a second wind later in the evening. Those with DCR are often referred to as night owls, and find it easier to stay up late at night. Although some DCR sufferers have little trouble falling asleep, almost all have difficulty getting up or getting started in the morning.

DCR Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Difficulty falling and staying asleep, and or late night sleeplessness.

A general lack of energy in the morning.

An increase of energy/mood in the evening or late at night.

Difficulty concentrating, being alert, or accomplishing tasks

Some DCR sufferers oversleep and have trouble getting up

How DCR Affects You

Because your daily cycle, or circadian rhythm is running slow, your pineal gland releases the nighttime hormone melatonin too late, often causing you to fall asleep later (Some DCR sufferers tend to oversleep). When you need to get up, your body clock may think it is still midnight and is still producing the nighttime hormones. This is why it may take several hours to feel active and energetic. And because you don't receive the proper amount or type of sleep, your energy, alertness and ability to function may also be diminished.

Treatment Recommendations for DCR

BRITEWAVE™ Light Therapy

BRITEWAVE™ light therapy is the most effective treatment for a Delayed Circadian Rhythm. 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 a mild Delayed Circadian Rhythm, and improves the effectiveness of treating moderate to severe cases when combined with bright light in the morning.