What causes delayed sleep phase disorder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which a person's internal body clock is shifted later than normal, causing them to fall asleep and wake up several hours later than desired. Common causes include genetics, irregular lifestyle habits, excessive nighttime light exposure, and disruptions to the body's natural circadian rhythms.

If your sleep schedule feels stuck in the wrong time zone, it's worth investigating sooner rather than later—untreated DSPD can affect mental health, work performance, and overall well-being. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your sleep issues and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if delayed sleep phase disorder fits Discover likely causes of your sleep delay Find out if symptoms need care See OTC options for sleep timing Find a sleep specialist near you Understand home remedies for sleep rhythm Check if this could be delayed sleep phase

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Explanation

Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is a condition where a person's sleep schedule is shifted later than the typical bedtime. This means they fall asleep and wake up much later than most people.

Causes of DSPD:

Genetic Factors: Some people may have genes that affect their sleep-wake cycle, making them more likely to experience DSPD.
Lifestyle Habits: Staying up late regularly, using electronics before bed, or having irregular sleep patterns can contribute to DSPD.
Biological Rhythms: Changes in the body's internal clock, which controls when we feel sleepy or alert, can lead to DSPD. This clock might be naturally set to a later time for some individuals.

People with DSPD often have trouble waking up in the morning and may feel sleepy during the day. If you're experiencing persistent sleep issues or daytime fatigue, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your symptoms and determine if you should consult with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Magee M, Marbas EM, Wright KP Jr, Rajaratnam SM, & Broussard JL. (2016). Diagnosis, Cause, and Treatment Approaches for Delayed .... Sleep medicine clinics, 27542884.
Wu A. (2023). Updates and confounding factors in delayed sleep-wake .... Sleep and biological rhythms, 37363638.
Gradisar M, & Crowley SJ. (2013). Delayed sleep phase disorder in youth. Current opinion in psychiatry, 24060912.

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