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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have a profound effect on the circadian system's response to environmental light, which may impact treatment outcomes for patients depending on their habitual light exposure patterns. Here, we investigated the relationship between time-of-day preference, depressive symptoms and self-reported antidepressant treatment response. Evening types reported having taken a higher number of antidepressant medications in the previous 5 years and lower SSRI efficacy than morning types. While undergoing SSRI treatment, evening types also reported more depressive symptoms and suicidality. It is concluded that time-of-day preference may prove informative in predicting SSRI treatment responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the anatomical and neurophysiologic bases of sleep regulation in mammals as well as similarities and differences between human sleep and that of other organisms. It outlines how sleep of humans is measured, the role of the circadian system in models of human sleep regulation and human circadian rhythm sleep disorders. It also attempts to outline the role that the circadian timing system has in regulating sleep of humans and in contributing to sleep disorders.