Can viral infections affect sleep?

I've been diagnosed with a phase delay sleep disorder following Glandular Fever, and I've tried various ways to keep my sleep normal with...

17 October 2004

Part of the show Why we Dream and the Role of Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and The Body Clock

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Question

I've been diagnosed with a phase delay sleep disorder following Glandular Fever, and I've tried various ways to keep my sleep normal without success. Is there anything you could suggest?

Answer

Viral infection can affect your brain, and body clock, which may be the cause here. The body clock is in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus, so infection and high body temperature around this area could affect your body clock. In your case though, it seems that your body clock does work, it's just maintaining it that is the problem.