When asked about quality of sleep, a client responds that he falls asleep later than desired and wakes up later than desired. What circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder subtype is characterized by falling asleep and waking later than desired?

Choice A reason: Advanced sleep phase type is characterized by falling asleep and waking up earlier than desired. Individuals with this disorder tend to feel sleepy in the early evening and wake up very early in the morning, which is the opposite of the scenario described. Choice B reason: Irregular sleep-wake type involves a lack of a clearly defined sleep-wake cycle. People with this disorder have fragmented sleep patterns with multiple naps throughout the 24-hour period, not a consistent delay in sleep and wake times. Choice C reason: Delayed sleep phase type is defined by a consistent pattern of falling asleep and waking up later than desired. This disorder is common in adolescents and young adults and matches the client’s report of delayed sleep onset and waking. Choice D reason: Non-24 sleep-wake type is typically seen in individuals who are blind and lack light perception. Their circadian rhythm does not align with the 24-hour day, leading to progressively shifting sleep times. This does not match the client’s stable but delayed sleep pattern.