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Circadian rhythm disorders occur when your sleep-wake cycle is out of sync with your environment. Many factors, both internal and external, can cause you to have problems sleeping and raise your risk for a circadian rhythm disorder.
Genetic conditions that affect your brain or hormone can cause circadian rhythm disorders. For example, Smith-Magenis syndrome is a genetic condition that may affect how much or how often your body makes the hormone melatonin, which helps you sleep. Sleep patterns may be completely reversed, causing daytime sleepiness and wakeful nights.
Did you know that your natural circadian rhythm and your risk for disorders may be different from someone else’s?
The sleep-wake cycle can be different for different people. Some people naturally wake early, while others naturally stay up late. These patterns are controlled by your gene , among other factors. You may develop circadian rhythm disorders if your patterns do not align with your work, school, or social responsibilities. Some people can more easily adjust their circadian rhythm to match their environment. This adaptable nature makes you less likely to develop jet lag disorder and shift work disorder.