Which demographic is most likely to have delayed sleep phase syndrome?

Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a significant delay in sleep onset and wake times relative to societal norms. This condition is most prevalent among adolescents. During this developmental stage, biological changes take place that can shift sleep patterns, leading to a preference for later sleep onset and wake times. Adolescents undergo shifts in their circadian rhythms, often feeling more awake later at night, which aligns with the sleep phase delay observed in DSPS.

In contrast, younger children typically have earlier sleep-wake cycles and do not usually display the same delayed patterns. Middle-aged and older adults also tend to experience different sleep disruptions, such as advanced sleep phase syndrome, where sleep occurs earlier in the evening, rather than a delay. Thus, adolescents stand out as the demographic most likely to exhibit delayed sleep phase syndrome due to their unique developmental changes and social pressures, such as school schedules, that conflict with their natural sleep preferences.