Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by episodes of highs (mania) and lows (depression. A person with bipolar can feel euphoric when they’re manic and so low that they can’t get out of bed when they’re depressed. It’s crucial to get adequate treatment for bipolar disorder by seeing a therapist and talking to a psychiatrist about the right medications for the condition. Another essential aspect of living with bipolar is lifestyle changes. A huge part of keeping mentally stable is getting adequate rest. Sleep influences your mental health and helps a person manage the ups and downs of bipolar.
Why does sleep matter so much?
When you sleep, your brain has the opportunity to shut down, relax, and reset. Scientists believe that during sleep, you store long-term memories. According to scientific research, it’s estimated that around 65% to 90% of adults with major depression have sleep problems, including insomnia. That’s a clear correlation between poor sleep and depressed mood. The inference is that if you do sleep well, it’s better for your mood. Sleeping well has a stabilizing effect on people with bipolar disorder.
Sleep and mania
When a person with bipolar disorder experiences mania, they may sleep 2-3 hours a night for many nights. Some people with the condition go days without sleeping, which is quite dangerous. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate mania to the point where the person could experience psychosis or visual hallucinations. That’s why it’s critical to get regular sleep, especially during a manic episode. Sometimes it’s not that easy. You can do your best to sleep at reasonable times, but you can’t seem to make that happen. That’s when you talk to your doctor and see what interventions can help you get a good night’s rest. They may speak to you about medication options for sleep. Whatever you need to do, it’s crucial to get a good night’s rest when you have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder and sticking to a schedule
One thing that can help people with bipolar disorder is sticking to a clear schedule or routine. That includes a sleep regime. When you have a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, it makes it much easier to get a good night’s rest. One thing to avoid is long naps. It’s okay to take a nap from time to time, but make sure you’re not taking three-hour ones. If you do that on a regular basis, you’ll probably find it hard to get to bed at night. You can go to sleep around the same time each night and have a routine where you wind down. That could include listening to calm music while taking a warm bath, reading a book, meditating, and falling asleep. A solid sleep routine makes it easier to go to bed because before you know it, it becomes automatic. When you feel yourself getting tired, you know exactly what to do to get yourself in the mode of going to bed. A proper sleep schedule can also lessen the symptoms of mania.
Remind yourself – sleep is for your health
Sleeping well is excellent for your physical and mental health when you have bipolar disorder. When you have a good night’s rest, it can make you less irritable during the day. You’ll wake up feeling focused and better able to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. You can learn more about living with bipolar by reading informative articles or talking to a licensed therapist.
Therapy and bipolar disorder
Therapy is an ideal space to discuss your sleep habits when you have bipolar disorder. A skilled therapist can support you in creating and sticking to a reliable sleep routine. They can show you ways to cope with your sleeping issues and suggest how to manage bouts of insomnia. Online therapists are convenient to see and easy to talk with about your issues. Remember, you don’t have to struggle with sleep issues alone. A therapist who understands the complicated nature of bipolar disorder is ready and willing to help you get a good sleep routine down so you can start feeling better during the day and enjoying life.
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