Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder: Can Polysomnography Be Useful?
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is a chronic condition with a multifactorial etiology that primarily affects adolescents, significantly influencing their quality of life. In clinical practice, the contribution of intrinsic and behavioral factors is difficult to determine. The aim of our study was to compare data from clinical interviews, sleep diaries, actigraphy, and nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) in a cohort of adolescents with DSWPD and to assess psychiatric/neurodevelopmental comorbidity.
METHODS: Thirty-one patients (22 male; mean age 15.4 ± 2.2 years, range 12 to 19 years) with a diagnosis of DSWPD based on detailed history, sleep diary, and actigraphy underwent nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) and neurological, psychological, and psychiatric examination.
RESULTS: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was present in 14 cases (45%), specific learning difficulties in nine (29%), and mood disorder (anxiety/depression) in 16 patients (52%). PSG revealed sleep-onset delay in only 12 (38%) cases. No differences in clinical data or psychiatric comorbidity between the group with sleep delay and the group with normal sleep onset were detected. Decreased total sleep time, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and prolonged REM sleep latency were observed in patients with delayed sleep onset.
CONCLUSIONS: PSG showed delayed sleep timing in only 38% of patients with a diagnosis of DSWPD based on diagnostic criteria of the International…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 16 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.