Sleep impacts your feelings, thinking, and reactions to stress. With a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, lack of sleep will make it difficult for you to cope with mood changes. A couple of sleepless nights might just have you feeling fatigued and grumpy. However, for others, lack of sleep might trigger a manic episode.
Mood changes might also interfere with your sleeping pattern. During times of anxiety, falling asleep becomes hard, while depression makes you want more sleep.
When it comes to bipolar disorder treatment in NJ, you might use medications and therapy as well as other strategies to improve your sleep habits.
Sleep and Bipolar Disorder: What’s the Connection?
Our bodies have a clock inside them known as the circadian rhythm. It regulates our sleep cycles and even our body temperatures. External factors like light and physical activity can influence our circadian rhythm. This is one reason holistic therapy approaches that build healthy daily routines can support a steadier sleep pattern.
When a person suffers from bipolar disorder, their natural sleep patterns may be affected. On the other hand, alterations in sleep may act as a trigger for mood changes. You may experience insomnia or oversleeping during a depressive episode. Also, you may not get enough sleep during mania or hypomania.
Changes in sleep don’t automatically mean the beginning of the episode, but being aware of them provides an opportunity to tackle the problem in the early stage.
Insomnia Effects on Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Insomnia impacts the functioning of brain areas involved in regulating emotions and making decisions. The lack of sleep may make it harder to cope with stress.
The effects of insomnia include:
- Mania/hypomania symptoms: Insomnia can be a trigger of such episodes in some people; it makes them very energetic and impulsive.
- Depression symptoms: Insomnia provokes tiredness and inability to concentrate. Prolonged sleep periods are typical for patients in a depressed state.
- Irritability: Patients may easily become irritated and frustrated.
- Poor judgment: It is harder to assess the situation and risk factors.
- Complications in treatment: Low level of energy and disruption in regular activities may affect the patient’s ability to visit appointments and take medications.
These effects can pose challenges to bipolar disorder treatment in NJ. Sleep changes are also common across other mood disorder conditions, so it is important to inform your clinician about sleep-related problems, even minor ones.
What Sleep Changes Should You Monitor?
Monitor sleep disturbances that occur over a few days and are inconsistent with your normal pattern.
- Decreased sleep without fatigue: You may have energy even after sleeping only a little bit. It can be an early indicator of mania or hypomania.
- Problems with sleep onset: You may be sleepy, but you may stay awake for a long time.
- Interrupted sleep: You may wake up several times and find it hard to fall back asleep.
- Excessive sleep: You may be sleeping extra hours and still feeling sleepy.
- Changes in sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at irregular times affects your circadian rhythm.
Insomnia is different from decreased need for sleep because in insomnia, you generally want to sleep, but you can’t. In mania, you may feel the need for sleep has decreased. The differences can help in evaluating your condition.
How Can You Develop a More Effective Sleep Pattern?
It may be useful for stabilizing mood and detecting changes in your mood and sleep patterns that can affect your functioning. Consider the following pieces of advice that you can use:
- Sleep and wake up each day at about the same time.
- Use natural light in the morning.
- Make sure that your sleeping room is dark and comfortable.
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee in the afternoon/evening.
- Do not use alcohol and other drugs because they will harm your sleep and mood.
- Exercise regularly but don’t engage in intensive physical activity in the evening if it affects your sleep.
- Note your sleep pattern and level of energy in your journal.
You do not have to apply all these techniques at once.
How Can Treatment Be Used to Improve Sleep Difficulties?
Sleep treatment is most effective when included in your general treatment program. Your psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and any other health issues.
Certain drugs, mood stabilizers among them, might help with bipolar symptom management. Some of these drugs can have an influence on sleep. Inform your health care professional about any new sleep problems you experience. Do not increase or lower the dose of any medicine or stop taking it.
Therapy might also be helpful. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy is aimed at maintaining a stable pattern of sleep, socializing, etc. If cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is appropriate for your condition, it might help you with your sleep problems.
Find out from your health care professionals how sleep monitoring might contribute to bipolar disorder treatment in NJ.
When Should You Contact the Professionals?
Reach out to your healthcare professional when there is a drastic change in your sleep cycle or when your mood becomes difficult to handle. Don’t wait for the problems to interfere with your professional or personal life.
It is advisable that you seek urgent medical assistance if you feel very agitated or if you have suicidal thoughts. Decreased sleep hours coupled with increased energy are indicators of a need for urgent medical attention. This ensures that your medical team is aware of any adjustments required to your treatment program.
Conclusion
Changes in your sleep pattern can serve as indicators of your mental state. Proper monitoring and seeking timely help will assist your treatment process. Moving Mountains Recovery provides mental health treatment in New Jersey, including help for those with bipolar disorder. Contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can lack of sleep cause a bipolar episode?
Yes. Lack of sleep can act as a trigger for mania in some individuals. However, having a consistent sleep schedule will lower this risk, but not eliminate all episodes.
2. How much should I sleep?
Sleeping needs vary greatly. Consult your provider to know what works best for you. Consistent sleep and wake schedules are as important as the hours spent asleep.
3. Can oversleeping be harmful for my bipolar disorder?
Yes. Oversleeping can happen during depressive phases of bipolar disorder. Discuss this with your provider if you sleep more and feel sleepy most of the time.
4. Is there bipolar disorder treatment in New Jersey?
Yes. Treatment may include psychiatric services, therapy, and help with routine activities. Inquire how your provider will identify your sleep disturbances and track your mood swings.
