Sleep Trouble in Bipolar Disorder by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
What is bipolar disorder?
Individuals living with bipolar disorder experience highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) that come along with extreme mood changes, and everything in between. Some people experience both highs and lows at the same time, which is called a mixed episode.
When it comes to monitoring and managing mood symptoms, sleep is both an anchor and an indicator. Sleep works as an anchor because it assists in mood management. Establishing regular sleep patterns is the starting point for regulating mood. Sleep also works as an indicator because sudden changes in sleep (i.e., the quality of sleep and/or quantity of sleep) is a sign that the individual might be shifting into a mood episode.
What does sleep trouble look like in bipolar disorder?
In mania and hypomania:
Awake and energized physically and mentally late at night and into the early morning hours.
A drive and motivation to be productive or complete tasks at a time when other people are asleep.
Obtaining little to no sleep. If sleep is obtained, it might be for only a few hours. And, the individual will not feel tired the next morning.
This continues for days.
In depression:
Feels tired and lethargic more often than not.
Sleeps more often and/or for longer periods of time.
Does not feel refreshed when they wake up from sleep.
This continues for days.
Why does it matter?
Sleep trouble during a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode can impact different areas of life and/or how the individual takes care of themself.
In mania and hypomania:
While the individual is productive, decreased sleep is a slippery slope to neglected self-care, such as a lack of rest or breaks, not eating meals consistently, and experiencing distressing emotions such as irritability.
In depression:
The feelings of fatigue and tiredness might lead the individual to opt out of tasks and responsibilities, which can have a detrimental impact on work, school, relationships, and basic needs.
Consider:
Regulating sleep and daily life during both depression and mania or hypomania. CLICK HERE to read Depression: Ways to Keep it Moving. CLICK HERE to read Mood Episodes and the Power of Opposites.
Therapy for bipolar disorder factors in circadian rhythms as a part of mood management.
A therapist experienced with bipolar disorder can assist in mood management and regulating your sleep.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.