Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) is a circadian rhythm disorder that affects the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. People with Non-24 experience difficulty sleeping and staying awake at regular times, resulting in a disruption of their daily routines. Symptoms of Non-24 include difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Non-24 is most commonly seen in people who are totally blind, as they lack the light cues that help regulate the body's internal clock.

The primary symptom of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder is a disruption in the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. This disruption can cause a person to experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, as well as excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, irritability, depression, and anxiety.

Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder is caused by a disruption in the body's circadian rhythm, which is the body's internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. It is most commonly seen in people who are totally blind, as they are unable to detect light cues that help to regulate the circadian rhythm. Other causes of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder include certain medications, medical conditions, and genetic factors.

1. Light therapy: This involves exposing the person to bright light at specific times of the day to help reset their circadian rhythm.

2. Melatonin supplementation: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Taking melatonin supplements can help reset the body’s internal clock.

3. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help the person identify and change behaviors that may be contributing to their sleep problems.

4. Medications: Certain medications, such as stimulants, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications, may be prescribed to help regulate the person’s sleep-wake cycle.

5. Sleep hygiene: This involves making lifestyle changes to improve sleep quality, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding screens

1. Blindness or severe vision impairment
2. Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
3. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury
4. Certain medications, such as those used to treat ADHD or depression
5. Substance abuse
6. Stressful life events
7. Working night shifts or rotating shifts
8. Jet lag
9. Age (it is more common in people over the age of 65)
10. Genetics (it is more common in people with a family history of the disorder)

Yes, there are medications available to treat Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder. These medications are called melatonin agonists, and they work by mimicking the effects of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. These medications can help reset the body's internal clock and help people with Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder stay on a regular sleep-wake schedule. Additionally, light therapy and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, can also help manage the disorder.