Years after finding relief from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, a high schooler in California and her classmates are working to ensure other children don’t have to endure the same anxiety. Olivia Hayashi Hwang recalls lying awake for hours as a child, fixated on the slow blink of a green light in her bedroom, unable to sleep despite exhaustion. Now a student, she has turned her personal struggle into a mission to raise awareness about circadian rhythm disorders in youth. Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder shifts a person’s internal clock later, making it difficult to fall asleep at conventional times and wake up for school or work. For Olivia, this meant nights of staring at ceilings, feeling isolated as peers rested easily, and struggling with daytime fatigue that affected her mood and concentration.
After years of trial with light therapy, melatonin, and strict sleep hygiene, she finally found a routine that allowed her to sleep and wake consistently. Her experience motivated her to act, knowing many children suffer in silence without diagnosis or support. How One Student’s Struggle Sparked a School Initiative Olivia partnered with classmates to launch a peer education campaign at her high school, distributing fact sheets about sleep disorders and hosting informal talks during wellness week. They collaborated with the school nurse to identify students showing signs of chronic sleep issues and connected families with pediatric sleep specialists. The group also advocated for later start times, citing research linking adolescent sleep deprivation to poor academic performance and mental health risks.
Their efforts led to a pilot program adjusting first-period schedules for participating students, with early feedback showing improved attendance and alertness. What Can Schools Do to Support Students With Sleep Disorders? Schools can play a critical role by training staff to recognize symptoms of circadian disorders, such as persistent difficulty falling asleep before 2 a.m. and excessive daytime sleepiness. Simple accommodations like allowing flexible deadlines for students with documented sleep conditions or providing quiet spaces for rest can reduce stigma and improve outcomes. Olivia emphasizes that awareness is the first step—many families dismiss symptoms as laziness or poor habits, delaying treatment. By normalizing conversations about sleep health, schools can help children access care sooner and thrive academically and emotionally. Frequently Asked Questions What causes delayed sleep-wake phase disorder in teenagers?
It is linked to a natural shift in circadian rhythm during puberty, combined with genetic factors and environmental influences like evening light exposure from screens, which further delay melatonin release. Is the disorder treatable, and what options exist? Yes, treatment includes timed light therapy in the morning, melatonin supplementation in the evening, consistent sleep schedules, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, often requiring coordination with a sleep specialist. How common is this condition among adolescents? Studies suggest up to 7-16% of teenagers experience delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, though many cases go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness or misattribution to behavioral issues.