Living with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

It was so comforting to read about this disorder and the others stories as I have suffered my entire life (46 years) with this disorder. Before the concept of flex time was even an option, the latest you could start anywhere was 8am. Since I had to commute a minimum of 25-30 miles each way to any job, I had to be up by 6:30am to be able to get ready and allow enough drive time. I used to get scolded and/or written up at work for being late constantly.

This syndrome is devasting because you are viewed as lazy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Well why don’t you just go to bed earlier”. AAAHH - if it were only that simple! It’s very difficult to explain to employers/co-workers that it’s physically and mentally IMPOSSIBLE for people like us to function that early. I take such heavy medication now to even fall asleep, since I have insomnia as well, it’s like I’m in a coma between 6-8am. Very difficult to get up and moving. Even with flex time, most people choose to come in earlier rather than later so there is still a stigma attached to it. It doesn’t seem like there is much help for this disorder but at least I don’t feel like I’m just a lazy person. This is real and very difficult to deal with.