Circadian Health Glossary
Chronotherapy
Chronotherapy stems from the Greek words chronos (time) and therapy (treatment). Is a strategy that aligns medical treatments with the body's circadian rhythms. One of the most important and well-known circadian rhythms is the sleep-wake cycle.
The core principle of chronotherapy is in its timing. It suggests that the effectiveness of treatments can be significantly enhanced or diminished by the timing of their administration. This synchronization ensures that treatments are delivered when the body is most receptive, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing side effects.
Chronotherapy for Sleep Disorders
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Individuals suffering from DSPS may benefit from gradually advancing their bedtime until a more appropriate sleep schedule is achieved.
Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome
Chronotherapy for ASPS aims to adjust sleep patterns by gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times earlier, delaying sleep onset to extend total sleep duration. This helps establish a more suitable sleep schedule for those experiencing early evening sleepiness and premature morning wakefulness.
Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder
Light Therapy as a Chronotherapeutic Treatment
Light therapy emerges as one of the most popular chronotherapeutic interventions, especially in managing sleep disorders and depression. This approach uses special devices such as light therapy glasses, to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, by exposing individuals to bright light. It helps individuals experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), shift work, or other forms of depression influenced by seasonal changes.
By mimicking natural light, light therapy can reset the sleep-wake cycle and improve mood.