Category Archives: Treatments & Tests

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome Primer Video

September 27, 2017
This excellent video by Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) expert Dr. Peter Mansbach of the Circadian Sleep Disorders Network (CSDN) explains what DSPD is, the challenges it presents and possible causes. My favorite line is when Dr. Mansbach says (at 1:19) "this is REALLY hard for a person with normal sleep to understand." Exactly! By the way, you will notice that Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder is referred to as Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome by some. An explanation of the…
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UCSF Circadian Sleep Disorder Study – The Results

August 27, 2017
UCSF Circadian Sleep Disorder Study – The Results
Two years after my father and I participated in Dr. Ptacek's study, I received the following note from the lab coordinator: "Recently, we came across some very interesting findings within your family. These findings may lead to the discovery of the first ever night owl sleep gene." Needless to say, I was THRILLED. My longstanding belief that my extreme night owl sleep pattern has a genetic basis was being proven, SCIENTIFICALLY. The coordinator asked for more of…
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Treatments for Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

July 25, 2017
Treatments for Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Here’s a partial list of the “treatments” I’ve tried so far: Light Therapy: Bright light therapy (10,000 lux light box, Feel Bright Light visor, Golite Blue Energy Light, etc.) in the morning. Light restriction (a.k.a. darkness therapy) via blue-light blocking glasses, black out curtains, f.lux on various screens. Using dim red-filtered light to avoid polychromatic and blue light in the evening. “Natural” Remedies: Valerian, passionflower extract, milky oats, catnip, skull cap, hops, teas, strong chamomile tea, natural GABA…
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Cortisol Levels Over A 24-Hour Period

July 15, 2017
Cortisol Levels Over A 24-Hour Period
This graph shows the peak cortisol release over a 24-hour period for a "typical" person (it peaks around 8 am). I recently did an at-home cortisol saliva test - I collected samples four times (morning, noon, evening, and at bedtime) throughout the day. Since my sleep is delayed about four hours from a "normal" person, I did my morning sample at 11 am, my noon sample at 3 pm, my evening sample at 9 pm and my bedtime sample…
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