Applications paper: Physiological Psychology

Stephen C. Butler

Flinders University
 Michael is a young University student that struggles with his sleep cycle after

the undertaking of early morning work. Michael has difficulty falling asleep and

spontaneously waking at desired times. This paper discusses Michaels symptoms as

well as the adverse effects of his late-night computer habits, and how sleeping-in

makes his symptoms worse. We will also discuss the recommended treatment plan.

A combination of treatments has the potential to improve Michaels sleep

cycle though the use of phase advancing therapy, morning bright-light therapy, and

the use of blue-light blocking glasses to reduce symptoms during late-night computer

use. It is expected that these treatments will allow Michael to achieve his desired

sleep cycle and manage his diagnosis.

The combination of symptoms reported by Michael indicate delayed sleep

phase disorder (DSPD), or difficulty falling asleep and the inability to spontaneously

wake (Gradisar, 2014; Lack, Wright, & Bootzin, 2009). Michaels DSPD is likely

caused by blue-light infiltration from late-night computer usage, which decreases the

melatonin production assisting in sleep onset (Chang, Aeschbald, Duffy, & Czeisler,

2014; Lack et al. 2009). The decreased melatonin delays the circadian rhythm, or the

body clock, which tells us when to sleep and wake (Chang et al. 2014; Lack et al.

2009). Michaels increased daytime sleepiness is worsened by his attempts to catch

up on sleep which further interrupts Michaels sleep cycle (Taylor, Wright & Lack,

2008).

Michaels difficulty in spontaneously waking early, even after early bedtimes,

is evidenced by his early morning symptoms of sleepiness and sub-par performance

indicating a negative change in his sleep cycle (Lack et al., 2009). Research shows

that a sudden change of sleep pattern requirements due to a change in schedule, like

a new early morning job, can disrupt the circadian phase causing DSPD (Lack et al.,

2009)). It is reasonable to suggest that this is what is causing Michaels difficulty to

wake and sleep at the desired times.

Michaels late-night computer usage retards his ability to fall asleep.

Research has found that late-night use of blue-light emitting devices (BLED) make it

harder to fall asleep, because of decreasing melatonin production and increasing

alertness and attention (Chang et al., 2014; Lack et al., 2009; Van Der Lel, Frey,

Garbazza, Wirz-Justice, Jenni, Steiner, & Schmidt, 2015). Therefore, by altering the

time of computer usage, Michaels circadian phase could be changed more easily by

allowing the production of melatonin in the evening. A positive side effect of

morning BLED is increased attention and alertness and this could assist Michaels

morning symptoms.

The increased sleepiness Michael has experienced since starting his new job

may be compounded by efforts to catch up on sleep. Studies show that sleeping-in

does not assist with DSPD, instead, it increases the delay to the circadian phase

(Taylor et al., 2008). Thus, later wake-up times cause further disruption to Michaels

sleep cycle.

To achieve optimal management of DSPD, a variety of treatments are

suggested. The treatments identified as best suited for Michael is a combination of

phase advancing therapy, morning bright-light therapy, and the use of blue-light

blocking glasses when required to do late study on devices. This combination of

treatments has the potential for Michael to experience rapid improvement, and assist

in managing the DSPD.

Through phase advancing therapy, Michael has the potential to alter his

circadian phase. Research shows that the circadian phase can be altered by bringing

back the sleep time in half hour per day increments (Lack et al., 2009). Thus,

Michael could adjust his desired circadian phase as soon as the 8th day from

commencement.

Morning bright-light therapy assists phase advancing therapy by using bright

light in the morning and dim light in the evening to help with the production and

expulsion of melatonin at preferred times. The research finds that morning bright-

light therapy assists the circadian phase by helping the individual fall asleep and

wake more easily (Lack et al., 2009). Therefore, by engaging in this treatment,

Michael can adjust his body clock to signal sleep and spontaneously wakening at the

desired times.

The use of blue-light blocking glasses function to block the rays from a

computer when required to use the computer later in the evening for study. The

research shows that the use of blue-light blocking glasses can greatly reduce

suppression of melatonin production allowing night sleep and morning alertness to

be more easily achieved (Ayaki, Hattori, Maruyama, Nakano, Yoshimura, Kitazawa,

& Tsubota, 2016). The use of these glasses will assist improvement in conjunction

with the other mentioned treatments, and will increase Michaels potential for

success in adjusting his circadian phase.

 DSPD can be difficult to manage and will require effort, commitment, and

lifestyle changes on Michaels part. We have explained Michaels diagnoses, as well

as given a list of appropriate treatments. The combination of Michaels efforts in

combination with these recommended treatments will give Michael the best possible

prospect for success in managing the DSPD and achieve the desired change of sleep

and spontaneous wake times.

References

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