The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Sleep
Bipolar disorder affects millions of individuals around the globe. A major symptom of bipolar disorder that often effects the quality of life for those living with it is changes in sleeping patterns. Studies show that individuals living with bipolar disorder often experience sleeping disruptions that range from insomnia to hypersomnia.
Impacts to sleeping patterns and the associated consequences can include fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and depressive symptoms. A key factor in managing bipolar disorder is being aware of how it impacts sleep.
By understanding how sleep is disrupted by bipolar disorder, established care plans can be updated accordingly, making a healthy and restorative sleep cycle easier to achieve.
The Statistics
The sleeping patterns of those living with bipolar disorder are extremely varied. Insomnia is a frequent complaint, but more than 40% of those affected may experience a lack of energy and hypersomnia. Other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder can also have an effect on sleep patterns.
Most of those with bipolar disorder reported difficulty both initiating and maintaining sleep. Symptoms of mania, such as racing thoughts and agitation, are also symptoms that can significantly affect sleep. Many of those with bipolar disorder also describe going through various stages of sleep during the night, including awakenings and disturbed dreaming.
Common Treatments
Because of the variance in sleep problems in those living with bipolar disorder, treatment must address the individual disturbances, rather than being a one size fits all solution. Treatment is sometimes divided into early, middle, and late treatments. Some of the medications, that are commonly used to manage bipolar disorder also often affect sleep.
Early treatments are typically low doses of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or both. Later treatments include clonazepam, another type of antidepressant, and lithium. In addition to the medications, cognitive behavioral therapy is also frequently used as a treatment for bipolar disorder and insomnia.
Other lifestyle changes that can help improve sleep in individuals with bipolar disorder include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and establishing a regular sleep and wake schedule. In addition, engaging in relaxation before bed, or making sure to take time to wind down from the day can help signal the body to prepare for sleep.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Improve Sleep
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Establish regular sleep and wake schedule
- Engage in relaxation before bed
- Take time to wind down from the day
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on insomnia. Through understanding how bipolar disorder impacts sleep, and making changes to both medications and lifestyle, individuals living with this disorder can work towards a healthier and more restorative sleep cycle.