What is Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS)?

Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is when your body wants to go to bed later and wake up later than most people.

Imagine you're a night owl, like a cat who stays up all night and then sleeps until noon. That’s what it's like for someone with DSPS. Most kids go to bed around 8 or 9, but if you have DSPS, you might not feel sleepy until 10, 11, or even midnight. And when you finally fall asleep, you wake up feeling rested, but way later than everyone else.

Think of your body like a clock that’s been set to the wrong time. While other people are ready for bed at 9, yours is still thinking, “Why go to sleep now? It’s only 8!” You’re like the kid who keeps playing with their toys until they finally say, “Okay, I’m tired now.”

But when you do go to bed, your body feels amazing, just like after a long day of fun and games. That's why you might feel super-rested even if you only slept for 7 or 8 hours.

Sometimes, this can make school tricky, especially if you have to wake up early, but that’s something you can learn to manage with the help of your parents!