Which non-pharmacologic strategy is commonly used to address circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder?

• A. Light therapy
• B. Ramelteon
• C. Melatonin
• D. Sleep aids

Answer: (D)

The main idea is using a strong timing cue from the environment to reset the body's internal clock. The most common nonpharmacologic approach for circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders is light therapy. By exposing the eyes to bright light at specific times of day, you can shift the circadian phase: morning light tends to advance the clock (make you feel ready for an earlier sleep and wake time), while evening light can delay it. This helps realign sleep with the desired schedule, which is especially helpful for delayed sleep phase, jet lag, or shift-work-related misalignment.

In practice, light therapy involves daily, timed exposure to bright light (often via a light box) for a set period, typically in the morning, and is most effective when paired with consistent sleep-wake times, good sleep hygiene, and reducing light exposure at night. The other options listed are pharmacologic strategies rather than nonpharmacologic ones—drugs that influence sleep timing or sedate, rather than using environmental timing cues.