What are circadian rhythm sleep disorders?

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are when your body’s internal clock gets confused about when to be awake and when to be asleep.

Imagine your body is like a little robot with a timer that tells it when to go to bed and when to wake up. Most people's timers work on a 24-hour schedule, like the sun rising in the morning and setting at night. But if your timer is off, maybe you're going to sleep too late or waking up too early, your internal clock gets mixed up, and you end up tired during the day or sleepy when you should be active.

Think about it like this: Your body has its own clock, just like a classroom has a bell that rings to tell students when to start class. If your clock is set for 10 p. m., but you go to bed at midnight, your body might feel confused and not want to wake up until 9 a. m., even if it's time for school!

Sometimes this happens because of things like staying up too late on weekends or changing time zones when you travel.

Your internal clock just needs a little help getting back in sync, like adjusting the classroom bell so everyone knows when to be awake and when to rest!