Crowley, S. J., Acebo, C., & Carskadon, M. A. (2007). Sleep, circadian rhythms, and delayed phase in adolescence. Sleep Medicine, 8(6), 602-12.

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Abstract

Sleep/wake timing shifts later in young humans during the second decade of life. In this review we describe sleep/wake patterns, changes in these patterns across adolescence, and evidence for the role of environmental, psychosocial, and biological factors underlying these changes. A two-process model incorporating circadian (Process C) and sleep/wake homeostatic (Process S) components is outlined. This model may help us to understand how developmental changes translate to shifted sleep/wake patterns. Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), which has a typical onset during the second decade of life, may be an extreme manifestation of homeostatic and circadian changes in adolescence. We describe symptoms, prevalence, and possible etiology of DSPS, as well as treatment approaches in adolescents.

MeSH Terms
    Adolescent
    Adolescent Behavior/physiology*
    Biological Clocks/physiology*
    Circadian Rhythm/physiology*
    Health Status
    Homeostasis/physiology
    Humans
    Sleep/physiology*
    Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm/diagnosis*
    Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm/etiology
    Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm/therapy*
    Wakefulness/physiology