Deep into Sleep Ep143: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome: Is It Laziness or Is It DSPS? with Dr. Sarah Silverman
Oct 6, 2022
Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained behavioral sleep medicine specialist, delves into Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), shedding light on why it's not just laziness. She discusses the neurological foundations of DSPS and its impact on sleep cycles, especially for night owls facing social pressures. Practical tips for better sleep, including light therapy, are shared. The conversation also tackles how cultural expectations clash with biological rhythms, highlighting the need for adjusted school start times to better support young people's natural sleep patterns.
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Dr. Silverman's DSPS Journey
- Dr. Silverman's personal experience with DSPS inspired her career in sleep medicine.
- She struggled with early mornings, highlighting the challenges of a fixed 9-to-5 schedule for those with DSPS.
DSPS: A Neurological Condition
- DSPS is a neurological condition, not just laziness or a preference for late nights.
- It's a shift in the internal body clock, making it difficult to adjust sleep schedules, even by an hour.
Flexibility Is Key
- Prioritize flexibility in your work schedule if you have DSPS.
- Dr. Silverman achieved this through private practice, aligning her work with her natural sleep window.