Symptoms of Non-24
People with Non-24 often experience:
A constantly shifting sleep schedule
Difficulty falling asleep or waking up at consistent times
Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Periods of insomnia followed by extended sleep episodes
Cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating
What is Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake
Disorder?
Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24) is a circadian rhythm disorder in which the body’s internal clock fails to synchronize with the 24-hour day. This causes an individual’s sleep-wake cycle to shift progressively later each day, making it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Over time, the condition leads to chronic sleep deprivation and daytime impairment.
Causes of Non-24
The primary risk factors include:
Total blindness
Most individuals who are completely blind develop Non-24 because their circadian rhythms rely on light cues to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Neurological and genetic factors
Some sighted individuals may also develop Non-24 due to brain disorders affecting sleep regulation or genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
Irregular sleep habits, shift work, or lack of natural light exposure may contribute to circadian rhythm disruptions.
Causes of Non-24
The primary risk factors include:
Total blindness
Most individuals who are completely blind develop Non-24 because their circadian rhythms rely on light cues to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Neurological and genetic factors
Some sighted individuals may also develop Non-24 due to brain disorders affecting sleep regulation or genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
Irregular sleep habits, shift work, or lack of natural light exposure may contribute to circadian rhythm disruptions.
Causes of Non-24
The primary risk factors include:
Total blindness
Most individuals who are completely blind develop Non-24 because their circadian rhythms rely on light cues to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Neurological and genetic factors
Some sighted individuals may also develop Non-24 due to brain disorders affecting sleep regulation or genetic predisposition.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
Irregular sleep habits, shift work, or lack of natural light exposure may contribute to circadian rhythm disruptions.
Who is Typically Affected?
Non-24 is most commonly found in:
Blind individuals
Over 50% of completely blind people are estimated to have Non-24 due to the lack of light perception.
Sighted individuals
Though less common, some sighted individuals experience Non-24 due to neurological conditions or an inherently non-24-hour circadian rhythm.
Who is Typically Affected?
Non-24 is most commonly found in:
Blind individuals
Over 50% of completely blind people are estimated to have Non-24 due to the lack of light perception.
Sighted individuals
Though less common, some sighted individuals experience Non-24 due to neurological conditions or an inherently non-24-hour circadian rhythm.
People with delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD)
Those who already struggle with maintaining a regular sleep schedule may be more prone to developing Non-24.
Understanding the Impact of Non-24
Left untreated, Non-24 can severely impact an individual’s daily life, making it difficult to maintain employment, relationships, and overall well-being. However, with proper diagnosis and management, individuals with Non-24 can take steps to improve their sleep patterns and quality of life.
If you suspect you may have Non-24, consider getting screened to explore potential treatment options and regain control of your sleep cycle.