"During the day, my Non-24 can lead to a sort of battle inside of me to maintain alertness."
"My Non-24 symptoms lead to feelings of loss of control and inability to be on top of things and process information."
"At times, my sleep pattern is the opposite of my family’s and when that happens it saddens me that our time together feels shorter and shorter."
Welcome to Non-24.com, your resource about Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder
Like many people, you may be experiencing sleep challenges you don't understand, nights of sleeplessness, and days when you fight to stay awake.
This may sound like a sleep disorder, but it's actually Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24), a circadian rhythm disorder.Learn more about Non-24
Don't let Non-24 hold you back.
Get informed. Stay in the Know.
What is Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder?
Non-24 is a serious, chronic circadian rhythm disorder that's very common in people who are totally blind. It causes nighttime sleep problems and a wide range of daytime difficulties, including an overwhelming urge to nap that can affect your ability to do everyday tasks or activities -- at work, school, or in social settings. This website will help you understand Non-24, help you manage its impact on your life, and give you the information you need to talk about it with family, friends, and doctors.
Non-24 and your master body clock
Everyone has a master body clock. For most people, the body clock runs slightly longer than 24 hours and is reset every day by environmental light that's detected by the eye, which then signals the brain. For people who are totally blind, however, the body clock becomes out of sync with the 24-hour day-night cycle, and your body's natural rhythms can sometimes have you sleeping during the day and awake at night. Because the non-24-hour body clock creates an ever-shifting sleep-wake cycle, Non-24 is classified as a circadian rhythm disorder.
Could you have Non-24?
Non-24 makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night and creates an uncontrollable urge to sleep during the day. This can lead to exhaustion and a decrease in overall function, difficulties in managing school or work, and problems with concentration. Do you have any of these symptoms?
Hear how you can help us learn more about Non-24 in children
Researchers are eager to better understand Non‑24‑Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder and circadian rhythm problems in children who are totally blind. They also intend to investigate a potential treatment for sleep problems in children who are totally blind. We are now gathering the names of individuals who might be interested in participating in such studies. If you would consider allowing your child to participate in a research study, please let us know.
/ Latest News
Help us learn about Non-24 in children
New research studies may lead to better understanding of Non-24 in children who are totally blind. Do you know a child who might participate? Learn More
Could It Be Non-24?
Understand how other people with Non‑24 are living with their condition and not letting it get in the way of their pursuit of happiness. Learn More
Tune in to the Non-24 podcast series
Tune in to the Non-24 podcast series featuring insights from people living with Non-24, as well as physicians and life coaches. Learn More