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Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Meaning

Circadian Rhythm Disorders are a group of clinical conditions characterized by a persistent or recurrent pattern of sleep disruption resulting from a mismatch between an individual’s endogenous circadian timing system and the external environment or required sleep-wake schedule. These disorders manifest as difficulties initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness. The dysregulation fundamentally impacts the cyclical release of hormones, notably cortisol and melatonin, leading to widespread metabolic and emotional consequences. Accurate diagnosis requires chronobiological assessment of the individual’s phase angle.