Why is Quality of Sleep So Important with Bipolar?

I've been treated for what was thought to be depression/anxiety for about 25 years. Sleep was never really mentioned much. It seems with Bipolar, the importance of quality sleep and a routine for sleep is emphasized more.

I have noticed that if I don't take Lamictal very early in the morning, I am a little agitated. And if I go days without good quality sleep, I am moreso agitated. (This actually explains a lot about my past, but that's another story for another time.)

I am trying to explain to my husband about the importance of sleep for bipolar. He's not understanding it, because he doesn't have the experience. (He suffers from anxiety and mild dysthymia that is extremely well controlled with meds and exercise/eating well. Sleep changes don't effect him in the least).

If I can give him an explanation of why sleep for bipolar is different than sleep for depression/anxiety, it would be very helpful. Any links or other resources would be appreciated. TIA.

I see bipolar as moods being amplified. So a normal person might be a little grumpy if they had to do an all nighter studying while a Bipolar person might become psychotic.

z7z wrote:I see bipolar as moods being amplified. So a normal person might be a little grumpy if they had to do an all nighter studying while a Bipolar person might become psychotic.

Thank you, z7z. This was a very helpful explanation.

By the way, the book you recommended has been a great read. Thank you. I've only read a small amount so far, but I can tell it's going to be a great resource. I'm going to show it to my therapist.

Where else did you learn about bipolar--what to expect, how to manage it, etc.?

Try googling circadian rhythm dysfunction with regards to bipolar. You might also want to look up the pineal gland/melatonin production.
I am diagnosed with Bipolar 1/psychotic features and I am ###$ when it comes to sleep. The problem is the worst in the summer when the days are longest (for me length of day contributes more than anything. I get "instamanic" just from traveling and switching time zones.) My typical summer sleep schedule is to be up 2-3 days continuously, sleep 2-4 hours. Repeat. I can only fall asleep between 5-7 am, if I do not fall asleep during these hours, I must wait till the next day to sleep. It sucks. I have tried every diet thing, i exercise, regimenting myself, the problem is BEYOND everything. Unless someone has lived it, I am not sure they could truly grasp it. I have had this problem my entire life. It became far more severe after I nearly died of fungal meningitis 11 years ago.

Besides being extremely tired after days of not sleeping well and being unable to function like I need to. I am a mom of 3 teens and married. They all need me. To take them to school, to cook, clean, etc. I can eventually become manic and even psychotic. Imagine my kids witnessing this. *sigh* I sometimes *must* take a sleep aid for weeks on end. I've taken it for months even. My life sort of falls apart and I'm miserable going up and down in mood. Even with depression I am unable to sleep at night or during the day. Quality of sleep is super important for us who have bipolar.

goaskmyalias wrote:Try googling circadian rhythm dysfunction with regards to bipolar. You might also want to look up the pineal gland/melatonin production.

Thank you for that suggestion. I will look this up.

I am diagnosed with Bipolar 1/psychotic features and I am ###$ when it comes to sleep. The problem is the worst in the summer when the days are longest (for me length of day contributes more than anything. I get "instamanic" just from traveling and switching time zones.) My typical summer sleep schedule is to be up 2-3 days continuously, sleep 2-4 hours. Repeat. I can only fall asleep between 5-7 am, if I do not fall asleep during these hours, I must wait till the next day to sleep. It sucks.

I am sorry you have this experience. It sounds really frustrating.

I have tried every diet thing, i exercise, regimenting myself, the problem is BEYOND everything.

That sucks you weren't able to find anything to help. Just on the off-chance you haven't tried these suggestions, can I ask if you were eliminating caffeine, making sure to not exercise close to bed time (that keeps people awake), trying to fall asleep with a guided meditation on youtube or insight timer, blackout curtains and an eye mask, deep breathing exercises, Melatonin supplement (that helped me but it was my doctor's recommendation) a white noise machine, following "sleep hygiene" stuff that therapists recommend, etc.? I hope my suggestions don't further frustrate you. I thought I'd write them here in case something is new that you might want to try.

Unless someone has lived it, I am not sure they could truly grasp it.

That is very true.

I have had this problem my entire life. It became far more severe after I nearly died of fungal meningitis 11 years ago.

That sounds awful. I hope one day something will finally work for you. Good luck.

-- Wed Jun 20, 2018 3:09 pm --

quietgirl2538 wrote:Besides being extremely tired after days of not sleeping well and being unable to function like I need to. I am a mom of 3 teens and married. They all need me. To take them to school, to cook, clean, etc. I can eventually become manic and even psychotic. Imagine my kids witnessing this. *sigh* I sometimes *must* take a sleep aid for weeks on end. I've taken it for months even. My life sort of falls apart and I'm miserable going up and down in mood. Even with depression I am unable to sleep at night or during the day. Quality of sleep is super important for us who have bipolar.

I didn't realize manic and psychotic can happen from lack of sleep. For me, I was extremely agitated. I need to write a list of stuff to do when I feel agitated and tape it to my mirror so I can remember what to do. Anyone do that? Or maybe I'll start a new thread so we can all share ideas.

Whenever I've been in the depressed phase, I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat. But in hindsight, looking back over the years whenever I've been under a great deal of work/school/family stress, my sleep has suffered and my moods have been awful.