Difficulty Waking Up On Time In The Morning
Significant problems waking up in the morning combined with a strong preference for a very late bedtime are symptoms of a specific type of insomnia called delayed sleep phase insomnia, which occurs when a person’s biological clock does not match the time he or she tries to sleep. Many people with this problem call themselves “late night owls”. Although the problem can be experienced in all age groups, it is most pronounced among teens and young adults. About 7% of teens and young adults have great difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and cannot fall asleep until very late.
The treatment components include:
- Learning how the biological clock regulates sleep.
- Adjusting sleep behaviors to fit the biological clock.
- Establishing a strong sleep-wake rhythm.
- Resetting the sleep-wake rhythm using properly timed bright light exposure.
- Strategies for improving sleep onset and quality.
- Practical recommendations for easier rise from sleep.
- Preventing relapse.
We offer both individual and group treatments for delayed sleep phase insomnia. Since many people with this problem consider themselves “late night owls”, we nicknamed the group program the Owl Group Owl Group.
Group Treatment for Delayed Sleep Phase Insomnia (the Late Night Owls group) consists of five 60-minute sessions conducted over six weeks. The group program is suitable for most teens and young adults who have delayed sleep phase insomnia. Treatment recommendations are tailored to fit each patient’s individual goals and circumstances. People whose life is impacted by the often erratic sleep schedules of night owls, such as parents of teens, are invited to the first group session, at no additional cost, to learn about the problem and its management. How to join
