Your body runs on a natural 24-hour rhythm that tells you when to sleep and when to wake. When that internal clock falls out of step, because of shift work, travel, a medical condition, or something harder to pinpoint , the effects ripple into every part of your life. You may feel exhausted during the day, wide awake at night, and like no amount of sleep ever truly resets you.
At Sleep Health & Wellness, PLLC in Bingham Farms, MI, we specialize in identifying the root cause of your sleep-wake disruptions and building a plan to help you reclaim your schedule, and your energy.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult with Dr. Tovar-Torres to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
Circadian rhythm disorders happen when the timing of your sleep is shifted, irregular, or out of alignment with the outside world. The result is more than just bad nights — it’s chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, unexpected naps, mood changes, and a sleep schedule that feels impossible to control.
These disorders are often misunderstood and under-diagnosed, but they are real, treatable conditions. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Our practice evaluates and manages the full range of circadian rhythm disorders, including:
Your body clock is shifted later than most — making it very hard to fall asleep at a conventional hour and equally hard to wake up in the morning. People with DSWPD are often labeled as night owls or unmotivated, when in reality they have a genuine biological sleep timing issue.
The opposite of delayed phase — your body clock runs earlier than the social norm, causing you to feel sleepy in the early evening and wake up in the very early hours of the morning whether you want to or not. This is more common in older adults.
Rather than a consistent sleep period, sleep is fragmented across multiple short episodes throughout the day and night with no clear pattern. This can be particularly disruptive to daily functioning and is sometimes seen in people with neurological conditions.
In this condition, the internal clock doesn’t sync to a 24-hour cycle. Sleep and wake times shift progressively later each day, cycling in and out of alignment with normal daytime hours. Non-24 is most common in people who are blind but can also affect sighted individuals.
Working nights, rotating shifts, or very early morning hours forces the body to be awake when it’s primed for sleep — and to sleep when it wants to be alert. This ongoing mismatch leads to insomnia, excessive sleepiness on the job, and long-term health consequences if left unaddressed.
Rapid travel across multiple time zones disrupts the alignment between your internal clock and the new local time. Symptoms include insomnia, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and gastrointestinal upset. For frequent travelers, this can become a recurring and debilitating problem.
Circadian rhythm disorders respond well to targeted, evidence-based treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, your care plan may include:
We take a holistic view of sleep health. Many patients with circadian rhythm disorders also have other sleep conditions, something we watch for and address as part of your overall care.
Both can look similar on the surface, which is why a proper evaluation matters. A circadian rhythm disorder involves a consistent, biological shift in your sleep timing that doesn’t resolve with willpower, better habits, or earlier bedtimes alone. If you’ve tried improving your sleep hygiene without lasting results, it may be worth discussing with a sleep specialist.
Not always. Many circadian rhythm disorders can be evaluated through a detailed clinical history, sleep diaries, and wrist-worn actigraphy devices that track your activity and light exposure over time. We’ll determine what’s appropriate based on your symptoms and what we learn at your appointment.
Many people see significant improvement with the right treatment plan. Some conditions, like jet lag or shift work disorder, resolve when the underlying schedule changes. Others, like DSWPD, require ongoing management — but with the right tools, most patients are able to function well and sleep much more consistently.
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office to confirm your specific coverage before your visit. Self-pay options are also available — please call for current rates.
