What is Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which a person's internal body clock is shifted significantly later than typical societal norms. People with DSWPD struggle to fall asleep before the early morning hours and have difficulty waking up at conventional times, often leading to chronic sleep deprivation, daytime fatigue, and impaired school or work performance.

If you're consistently unable to fall asleep or wake up at normal times, it's worth understanding whether DSWPD or another condition may be the cause. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps toward better sleep and better health.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if delayed sleep phase affects you Discover likely causes of your sleep delays See if your sleep pattern needs care Find OTC aids for sleep timing Find a sleep specialist near you Understand home remedies for delayed sleep phase Find out if you have delayed sleep phase

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Explanation

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) affects a person's internal body clock, causing them to fall asleep and wake up much later than usual. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with regular daily activities, like school or work, because they may not feel sleepy until very late at night and prefer to wake up in the late morning or afternoon.

Key Points:

Symptoms: People with DSWPD often have trouble falling asleep until very late at night, sometimes past midnight, and may struggle to wake up early in the morning.
Causes: The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may involve genetic factors and changes in how the brain controls the sleep-wake cycle.
Treatment: Treatment options can include light therapy, where bright light is used to help reset the body clock, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Sometimes, doctors may recommend melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep issues, it's important to reach out for help. You can start by using Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your sleep patterns and symptoms.

(References)

Magee M, Marbas EM, Wright KP Jr, Rajaratnam SM, & Broussard JL. (2016). Diagnosis, Cause, and Treatment Approaches for Delayed .... Sleep medicine clinics, 27542884.
Nesbitt AD. (2018). Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. Journal of thoracic disease, 29445534.
Narala B, Ahsan M, Ednick M, & Kier C. (2024). Delayed sleep wake phase disorder in adolescents. Current opinion in pediatrics, 38054481.

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