Definition - What does Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome mean?

Advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) is a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder in which a person's sleeping and waking cycles are out of sync with what is considered normal. An individual with ASPS may feel drowsy or fall asleep as early as 6 p.m. This early bedtime results in a phase shift and the individual may wake as early as 2 a.m. This causes the person's daytime schedule to be out of rhythm with others.

Advanced sleep phase syndrome may also be called advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD) or advanced sleep-wake phase disorder.

SureHire explains Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome

Individuals with advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS) are 'early to bed and early to rise.' The syndrome itself is not detrimental to the person's health as the individual is able to get adequate sleep in conformance with their circadian rhythms.

However, individuals with ASPS may lose sleep or take steps to manipulate their sleep patterns, which can be harmful. For example, a person with ASPS may suffer sleep deprivation as they are likely to rise early even if external factors such as social engagements or work demands prevented them from going to bed early. Additionally, some individuals with ASPS may attempt to use stimulants or other methods to alter their natural circadian rhythms. Many individuals with ASPS find that the best solution to their non-conforming sleep phase is to seek employment in roles for which being an early riser is an asset.

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