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Sleep & Circadian Disorders

Understand common sleep and circadian conditions, recognize symptoms, and learn about available treatments.

Recognize The Signs
Sleep Conditions
Diagnosing Sleep Disorders
When To Get Help

When sleep and circadian problems need attention

Sleep problems can affect how easily you fall asleep, how well you stay asleep, when you sleep, and how rested or alert you feel during the day. Occasional sleep problems can happen during times of stress, illness, travel, or changes in routine and often improve when the situation passes.

If sleep problems continue, happen often, or interfere with daily life, they could be a sign of a sleep or circadian disorder that needs attention.

At WSCN, we look at health across the full 24-hour day because nighttime sleep and daytime functioning are closely connected. Use this page to better understand sleep problems, what they might mean, and when it may be time to seek help.

What are you experiencing?

Choose the experience that feels most relevant.

Signs and symptoms

It can be easy to dismiss sleep and circadian symptoms because they are common. If they occur regularly or affect daily life, it may be time to speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early
  • Waking unrefreshed or struggling to get up
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness, frequent naps, or falling asleep unintentionally
  • Loud snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing, or frequent morning headaches
  • An uncomfortable urge to move your legs/body at night
  • Mood changes, brain fog, memory problems, or difficulty with everyday activities
  • Difficulty sleeping or waking at desired times, or an inconsistent sleep schedule
  • Unusual sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, talking, or acting out dreams
  • Sudden muscle weakness triggered by emotions

Recognize any of these signs?

Explore common sleep and circadian problems below to learn
what they may mean and what steps you can take next

What could be causing sleep and circadian problems?

Sleep symptoms can have many causes.
Explore the categories below to learn about common sleep and circadian disorders and what your symptoms might mean.
click on a card to visit the overview page to learn more about the conditions

Concerned about your sleep?

Don’t ignore the signs.

Sleep and circadian symptoms may be common, but that does not mean they are normal. If you’ve noticed any signs that you might have a sleep or circadian problem, trust your instincts and seek support.

Prepare for the conversation

Pay attention to symptoms that happen regularly, or interfere with everyday life. Keeping a record of when you sleep, how you feel upon waking, your energy and daytime functioning, and any nighttime symptoms can help you identify patterns and explain your concerns.

When is the right time to seek help?

You do not need to know which condition you have—or wait until symptoms become severe—to ask for help. If you are concerned about your health, see a primary care provider and start the conversation.
Take the next step

Diagnosing sleep & circadian disorders

A range of assessment tools, special tests, and diagnostics can help identify sleep and circadian problems.
Common Tests Include:
  • Clinical Evaluation
  • Sleep Studies
  • Actigraphy
  • Blood Tests
  • Specific Diagnostics
Learn More

Treatment and management

A range of treatments can help with sleep and circadian problems. The right approach depends on the condition and your individual needs. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the options and decide what fits best. Asking questions and taking an active role in your care can also help you get the support you need.

Behavioral approaches

Structured techniques can help you change thoughts, habits, and routines that may be affecting your sleep or circadian rhythm. Read our CBT-Insomnia Guide

Lifestyle modifications

Changes to your sleep schedule, daily activity, light exposure, diet, or sleep environment can help you support healthier sleep and wake patterns. Read our “Ten tips for healthy sleep” guide.

Medical therapies

Medications and other clinical treatments can help you treat a sleep or circadian disorder or manage symptoms, depending on your condition and health needs.

Devices

Specialized devices can help you manage certain sleep problems. These may include CPAP for sleep apnea or a mouthguard for teeth grinding.

Ongoing management

Regular follow-up can help you track your symptoms and adjust treatment as your needs change. Additional support or accommodations can also make daily life easier

For more information about treatment and management approaches for a specific sleep or circadian condition, visit that condition’s page.

Living well with a sleep or circadian condition

Treatment is only one part of managing a sleep or circadian condition. Understanding your symptoms and building routines that work for you can help protect your health and make daily life easier.

Helpful approaches can include:

Healthy routines:

A consistent sleep-wake schedule can support treatment. Regular activity and well-timed light exposure can also help you strengthen healthy sleep and circadian rhythms.

Managing daytime symptoms:

Fatigue, sleepiness, or difficulty concentrating can affect everyday activities. Planning around these symptoms can help you function more safely and comfortably during the day.

Emotional wellbeing:

Ongoing sleep problems can affect mood and emotional health. Looking after your mental health and seeking support when needed can help you cope with these effects.

Communication and support:

Talking openly with family, friends, employers, educators, or healthcare providers can help others understand how the condition affects you and what support you may need.

Taking an active role in your care:

Ask questions and learn about your condition. If you need additional support or accommodations, discuss them with your healthcare team or others involved in your daily life.

Adjusting over time:

Your symptoms and needs can change. Regularly reviewing what is working can help you adapt your routines and treatment when needed.
You can explore additional tips for living well under specific sleep disorder pages.

Additional learning

Explore related content to help build your understanding of sleep and circadian conditions, and how you can Own All 24 Hours.