How Bipolar Persons Can Cope With Sleep Disturbances

The quality of life can be severely impacted by insomnia, which is a common symptom of bipolar disorder...

Bipolar Disorder
March 21, 2025

The quality of life can be severely impacted by insomnia, which is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. Additionally, sleep disturbances can exacerbate other bipolar disorder symptoms. These disruptions can take many different forms, from excessive daytime sleepiness to chronic insomnia. Sleep disturbances frequently follow the same cyclical pattern as the mood swings that define bipolar disorder. Insomnia is a common symptom of bipolar disorder and may even be an indicator that an episode is imminent. Nonetheless, bipolar people can manage their condition and enhance their quality of life with the help of therapy for bipolar disorder and other treatments. Consistency in one's sleep schedule is one way bipolar persons can cope with sleep disturbances.

Your internal clock, known as your circadian rhythm, controls your sleep-wake cycle and will become more reliable if you stick to a regular sleep schedule. Another way bipolar persons can cope with sleep disturbances is by taking their medications exactly as prescribed. To help bipolar people manage their symptoms, which can disrupt sleep, doctors sometimes prescribe specific medications. Bipolar individuals can find relief from sleep disruptions by practicing one of many relaxation techniques. People with bipolar disorder can benefit from these relaxation techniques because they can help them feel more at ease and get a better night's sleep. Read on to learn more information about how bipolar persons can cope with sleep disturbances.

Adopt A Consistent Sleep Schedule

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is an effective way bipolar persons can cope with sleep disturbances. For bipolar people, consistently adhering to a sleep schedule can aid in setting and maintaining the body's internal clock and facilitating restful sleep. It has also been shown to help bipolar people manage their moods and lessen the severity of their manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar people should try to make it a habit to go to sleep and wake up every day, at the same time, even on the weekends, in order to establish a good sleep schedule. Our internal clock can be trained to function more reliably with the help of this routine. If you have difficulties sticking to routines, a daily alarm clock may help with this. Additionally, in order to keep to a regular sleep schedule, it is recommended that people avoid taking naps during the day.

Practice Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene has been shown to lessen the severity of manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Practicing good sleep hygiene is another example of ways bipolar persons can cope with sleep disturbances. People who want to improve their sleep hygiene should make their bedrooms more comfortable. As part of good sleep hygiene, you should ensure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet, making it conducive for a goodnight's sleep. A well-furnished bedroom with comfortable bedding is an additional factor in facilitating restful sleep. A television or other electronic device that could potentially distract you should be turned off. Also, caffeine and alcohol are both known to disrupt sleep. Healthy sleep can be encouraged by avoiding these stimulants in the hours before bedtime. Maintaining good sleep hygiene has been shown to help people with bipolar disorder get a better night's rest and be more alert during the day.

Use Medications As Prescribed

Medication is sometimes necessary for those with bipolar disorder to deal with their symptoms, such as insomnia. If you want to minimize the risk of side effects and maximize the benefits of your medication, it's crucial that you take them exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Patients with bipolar disorder who take their medication as directed have better sleep quality and fewer sleep disturbances. If a patient is having trouble with the medication's effects or feels like it has no effect at all, they should discuss this with their doctor. Furthermore, there is evidence that medications used to treat bipolar disorder can have negative effects on sleep. Problems sleeping could also be a result of interactions with other drugs or supplements you are prescribed to take. If your medication or drugs are keeping you up at night, talk to your doctor about the best time to take it. In addition, people should never stop taking their medications suddenly or switch to something new without first talking to their doctor.

A lady sleeping soundly in bed.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques have been shown to help people with bipolar disorder get a better night's sleep, as well as decrease their levels of anxiety and depression. Deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation are two examples of relaxation techniques that can help people with bipolar disorder get better sleep. To practice deep breathing, take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and then release through the mouth. Reducing stress through tension and the release of specific muscle groups is the goal of progressive muscle relaxation and stress reduction can also be achieved through the use of guided meditation or visualization techniques.

Seek Professional Help

People with bipolar disorder who have sleeping problems should see a psychiatrist or psychologist. A mental health professional can help with advice on dealing with insomnia and treating the underlying symptoms of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder who receive effective treatment for their symptoms report improved sleep quality and mood. Therapy and counseling can help bipolar people deal with the underlying symptoms that may be causing their sleep problems and get back to sleeping well. Discussing symptoms and treatment options openly with a mental health professional is crucial to figuring out the problem and fixing it.

Conclusion

Therapy for bipolar disorder is an effective treatment option that can help individuals cope with the condition and improve their quality of life. Bipolar persons can also cope with sleep disturbances by adopting a consistent sleep schedule, practicing sleep hygiene, using medications as prescribed, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help. These tips can improve the quality of your sleep and lessen the severity of your bipolar disorder symptoms. Also, before making any changes to a treatment plan, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Bipolar people are able to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life if they receive the appropriate treatment and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Resources

https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep-problems#:~:text=One%20way%20to%20address%20this,over%2Dstimulating%20activity%20near%20bedtime.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/bipolar-depression/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep/

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-sleep-and-bipolar-disorder-interact-379019

https://www.psycom.net/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-and-sleep-problems

https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/sleep

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/help-for-sleep-when-you-have-bipolar

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

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.

Common Questions about Bipolar Disorder

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