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Sleep-wake

Disorder of the circadian rhythm of sleep-wake

Mismatch between the biological clock and the necessary schedules (phase delay, shift work, jet lag), causing insomnia or drowsiness.

Common signs

Falls asleep and wakes up very lateProblems with rotating shiftsSleepiness during working hours

Tips

For you

  1. Daylight in the morning and little light at night
  2. Fixed times, at weekends too
  3. See a sleep clinic

For family and friends

  1. Encourage regular times at home
  2. Daylight in the morning and fewer screens at night

When to ask for help

  1. If it affects work or studies
  2. If there is sleepiness when driving

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I fall asleep much later than I'd like
2. I find it very hard to get up early
3. At weekends I sleep at very different times
4. I work shifts and sleep badly
5. I feel sleepy during work or study hours
6. At night I feel more awake
7. If I sleep at my natural time, I rest well
8. This causes me problems in my life
Also take the full insomnia test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveSpanish Sleep Society: information for patientsFree external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

InsomniaSleep-wakeHypersomnolence disorderSleep-wakeNarcolepsySleep-wakeObstructive sleep apnoeaSleep-wake

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.