Sleep is an important life function for every individual. It is essential for the quality of one's health and wellness...
Sleep is an important life function for every individual. It is essential for the quality of one's health and wellness. Unfortunately, sleep problems are a prominent problem faced by people suffering from bipolar. They have a negative impact on their physical and mental health and can lead to other chronic problems. One of the most common sleep problems bipolar people face is sleep deprivation which is a result of the reduced need to sleep they experience during manic episodes. Bipolar people also experience difficulties falling asleep or sleeping for a long time. Oversleeping is also one of the sleep problems bipolar people face where support for bipolar disorder is absent. They might also face breathing difficulties while sleeping. And may experience other forms of sleeping abnormalities.
Here are 5 sleep problems bipolar people face.
Bipolar disorder can make a person feel like they don't need much sleep. This is because manic episodes, which they experience sometimes, are stimulating and exciting. It makes the person alert, energized, and unable to sleep for days. Although the person might be able to get by with long periods of little or no sleep without feeling tired, the lack of sleep can lead to severe sleep deprivation, tiredness, heightened anxiety, and depression. It could also make the person prone to accidents and sometimes death. On the other hand, the decreased need for sleep might be an indication of an impending manic or hypomanic episode. Regardless of the cause of sleep deprivation, bipolar people need to get enough sleep to reduce the likelihood of manic or depressive episodes.
Taking any medications that make you drowsy at night can help you sleep. You can also consciously prepare your body to sleep at night by avoiding bright lights and going to dark and quiet rooms instead of texting or watching movies late into the night. This would help you get a good night's rest and help you have a stable mood during the day.
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or the inability to sleep for a long period. It also includes waking up too early in the morning or persistent waking up at night and difficulties in sleeping back. Insomnia is particularly common when the person is experiencing a manic episode. The heightened mood and excitement make it difficult for them to fall asleep. It could also be a symptom of depression in the bipolar person. The inability of a bipolar person to sleep on time or not get enough sleep might lead to daytime sleepiness. It could also make them sluggish, irritable, or cranky during the day.
This makes them unable to concentrate on and carry out their tasks, and make decisions. It can also affect their quality of life and lead to the breakdown of relationships with their family, friends, and caregivers. Insomnia can be treated with medications that help the person to fall asleep very easily and ensures that their sleep routine is not disrupted. Habits such as relaxing before bedtime, playing calm music, and having a sleep schedule where you go to bed at a certain time every night and wake up at the same time every day would help you to regulate your sleep cycle.
Oversleeping also known as hypersomnia is another of the sleep problems bipolar people face. It is excessive sleeping during the night and feeling sleepy all through the day. Despite the excessive night sleep, some people might still find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. This makes them anxious, restless, or tired all through the day. They might also find it difficult to concentrate or experience memory problems. Oversleeping can be a result of manic episodes or depression. Side effects of bipolar disorder medication, such as antidepressants, may also cause oversleeping. Proper treatment of oversleeping will ensure you get the desired amount of sleep. This can be achieved by sleeping in a conducive environment where the room temperature is not too hot or cold and sleeping with the right bed and pillows. Avoiding stimulating activities such as exercise right before going to bed or taking cigarettes, alcohol, or caffeine before bed can also help to treat oversleeping.
Sleep apnea is a breathing problem and one of the sleep problems bipolar people face. It causes shallow breathing or ceases breathing while sleeping at night. This prevents the person from getting enough sleep because once it happens to the person, they're woken up so that they can breathe. Most times, it's people who are overweight as a result of the side effects of their bipolar medication that suffer from this sleep problem. It may also be a result of sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea causes headaches, excessive sleepiness during the day, depression, and fatigue. It can also cause increased moodiness, mood relapses, and anxiety. It can also be life-threatening so you need to talk to your general practitioner as soon as you discover it to commence prompt treatment.
At times, bipolar medications might be responsible for the sleep problems bipolar people face. The side effects of some bipolar medications include restlessness during sleep, vivid or bizarre dreams, nightmares, arousal while sleeping (parasomnia), delayed sleep, and irregular wake schedules. These abnormalities can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder and could lead to a manic or hypomanic episode. It is important for bipolar people who are experiencing sleep problems to talk to their doctor about it as soon as they notice the problem. You can keep a diary to track your sleeping schedule, and sleep habits. For instance, you can track how long you slept, how long it took you to fall asleep, how many times you woke up at night, and other abnormalities you may be experiencing with regard to your sleep pattern.
This would assist the doctor in easily identifying the cause of the sleep problem and the appropriate treatment. In some cases, the doctor might recommend changing the prescription, prescribing the hormone melatonin to help you to fall asleep easily and sleep well at night, adjusting your doses or the time for you to take the medication, and in some cases, recommending sleep therapy.
Sleep problems are a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Sleep problems bipolar people face include sleep deprivation, insomnia, oversleeping, sleep apnea and sleep abnormalities.
https://www.alaskasleep.com/~alaskasl/sleep-and-bipolar-disorder/
https://www.bphope.com/the-quest-for-sleep/
https://www.coloradorecovery.com/sleep-disturbances-in-patients-with-bipolar-disorder/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/bipolar-depression/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep/
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
