Question: I am 41 and have delayed phase sleep syndrome. I was born with a natural sleep cycle of 4am to 12 noon. This was confirmed by my mother who informed me that as a baby I would sleep in until noon. I was absent for much of my high school because I was not able to wake in time for class. I survived college thanks to being able to create my own schedule. When I was 24 I was introduced to Melatonin, which allowed me to function somewhat normal for the first time in my life.
Even though I can now get to sleep earlier thanks to the Melatonin I never feel rested unless I can sleep until at least 10:00 am. I rarely have this opportunity and therefore I lack the energy to enjoy life in general. This has been made worse because of starting my career as an attorney. My question is, will I struggle for the next 20 or so years until I retire just existing or is there something I can do to not be sleep deprived and have the energy to actually live and enjoy life? Not working is not an option.