Melatonin Dysregulation
« Back to Glossary IndexMelatonin dysregulation or imbalances is often the biological engine behind several common circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder (CRSWD) subtypes. The most direct link is to delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD), commonly seek in bipolar disorder. In many “extreme night owls,” the body releases melatonin much later than normal (delayed dim light melatonin onset/DLMO). This makes it physically difficult to fall asleep at a standard time. Other disorders with melatonin imbalances are:
- Non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder
- Advanced sleep-wake phase disorder (ASWPD)
- Irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder (ISWRD)
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