Health Encyclopedia
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Irregular sleep-wake syndromeDefinition: Irregular sleep-wake syndrome involves different and disorganized periods of sleeping and wakeful behavior.
Alternative Names: Sleep-wake syndrome - irregular
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Some people�have an irregular sleep-wake pattern because of a problem with�brain function, the body's�circadian pacemaker (internal clock),�or�other reasons.� In other people, such as shift workers and travelers who change time zones frequently, outside factors cause this syndrome.
Signs and tests: Individuals with irregular sleep-wake syndrome may complain of either insomnia or excessive sleepiness. Patients usually have�an irregular pattern of at least three sleep episodes during a 24-hour period. The total amount of time a person with this condition sleeps is considered normal for their�age. No medical or mental disorder�causes the symptoms, and no other sleep disorder is generally present.
Expectations (prognosis):
Calling your health care provider: Most people may occasionally have disturbances in their sleep. However, if this type of irregular sleep-wake pattern occurs regularly and without cause, you may consider consulting your health care provider.
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| Review Date: 5/19/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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