Delayed Sleep-phase Syndrome Associated with Orthostatic Dysregulation Successfully Treated by Warming with Sekiganryo

Abstract

Orthostatic dysregulation often occurs during adolescence and presents with symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, anorexia, general malaise, and headache. Herein we describe a case of delayed sleep-phase syndrome in a 16-year-old female who had been treated with Kampo medicine since the age of 14 for orthostatic dysregulation. After taking renjuin, her condition improved and she was able to attend school. However, two winters later, her symptoms flared up and she was hospitalized. Electro-acupuncture test revealed her severe interior cold, and a simple sleep analysis showed that she was not getting deep sleep. We hypothesized that her interior cold contributed to her sleep disorder. After taking sekiganryo for the purpose of warming therapy, her waking time and sleep depth improved. This case showed that interior cold can cause sleep disorders and that warming therapy with sekiganryo may contribute to the improvement of sleep disorders.