This article will provide you with every needed information about bipolar insomnia, the symptoms and the helpful treatments. Also, you will find out if the insomnia or other sleep disturbances can lead to bipolar disorder and other issues.
As we already know, insomnia is a very common medical problem and almost all of us have faced some type of insomnia during our lives. If you can’t easily fall asleep or if you wake up during the night and have trouble going back to sleep, then there are high chances that you suffer from insomnia. Actually more than 30% of all Americans have suffered from this problem. However, those that also suffer from bipolar disorder have much higher chances from suffering from insomnia. In a way, almost every bipolar patient suffers from insomnia, as well.
Many researchers have proved that in some cases the insomnia is a very common symptom of bipolar disorder. On the other hand, the inability to sleep can cause bipolar disorders. The bipolar disorder manifests through depression and episodes of excitement. More than 60% of people that suffer from bipolar disorder have found a connection between the lack of sleep and some kind of a psychological episode. Not getting enough sleep can lead to many changes that can cause many psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder.
Every person has experienced stress and anxiety in his/hers life. And even though most of the people can easily cope with most problems, people that suffer from bipolar disorder lack those abilities. They have abnormalities in chemistry and the structure of the brain, which results in difficulties to accept and deal with stressful situations. So, even the smallest disruption in their everyday routine can increase the cortisol level in the body, which will lead to bipolar insomnia.
The lack of sleep, as a result from the insomnia, will further lead them to psychological breakdown or a manic attack. People that have manic attacks have a high level of activity. They don’t feel tired, they don’t need to sleep and they are extremely energized. However, the body can’t function without getting a good night sleep. So, the manic attack will make the person extremely tired and drowsy the next day. This will result in taking long naps and will further disrupt the sleeping cycle.
The bipolar insomnia can also disrupt the transmitters that regulate the behaviour and mood. This can cause depression, anxiety or stress. It is extremely important to seek professional help, in order to address this problem. Getting proper help can break this unhealthy pattern and those people can start having a good night sleep.
The most important factor that causes bipolar insomnia is the hormonal imbalance. Other psychological causes of bipolar insomnia are anxiety and depression. Environmental factors that can cause this problem are noise, temperature and light. Also, there are certain drugs and medications, such as antidepressants that can treat bipolar disorder, but unfortunately can cause insomnia. It is extremely important to detect the causer of the bipolar insomnia, so that your doctor will give you proper help and prescribe you the most efficient treatment. Narrowing down the causer of insomnia is pretty easy. Your doctor will make a neuro sleep profile, which is based on urine and saliva tests. These tests detect the imbalances in the brain that are involved in the regulation of the sleep.
Here are some bipolar insomnia treatments and ways that you can manage this problem.
First, it is good to establish a regular sleeping routine and it is important to stick to in no matter what. Also, it would be good to stabilize the circadian rhythm. This is one of the newest and best bipolar insomnia treatments.
As we previously said, there are researchers that believe that some environmental factors, such as artificial light, that cause bipolar insomnia. Many years ago, only the sun regulated the sleeping and waking up cycle. However, now it is easy to stay up late, with the help of a light bulb. But, unfortunately, people that are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorders can trigger this problem.
In order to defeat the bipolar insomnia, follow these sleep tips:
- It is very important that people that suffer from this problem go to bed and wake up at the same time every morning and night. The sleeping routine will help you get your sleep back on track. Also, it will be great, if you establish a schedule for your meals and other daily activities. They will guide you through the day and you will finally get a hold on your sleeping cycle.
- If needed, take supplements that will help you correct the transmitter imbalances. It is important to consult a doctor before you take any medications and supplements.
- The environment that you sleep in is also an important factor, so it is important to feel comfortable.
- Before you go to bed, try a sleeping or a relaxation technique.
- Also, before you go to sleep, avoid all stressful situations and don’t do any physical activities.
- Try to workout during the day, and stop with all physical activities at least three hours, before you go to sleep.
- When you are having a manic attack, ask your friends and family to help you out and have them ensure your sleeping schedule.
- Don’t drink any caffeine, before going to sleep.
- Also, keep away from alcohol and cigarettes. They can seriously harm the sleeping routine.
- Don’t take any naps during the day. Keep the sleeping for the night.
- Consult your doctor, before you take any supplements or medications. You may cause counter-effect that can result in depression, mood and behavior changes.
- Satisfy your nightly amount of sleep.
- Create a routine for the time before you go to sleep. Take a shower, have a glass of milk or any other thing that will relax you. Do the same thing, every night.
- If you need a daily nap, limit it for the shortest amount of time. Some researchers believe that you only need a 20-minute nap, in order to charge up your batteries.
- Write down all of the times when you can’t fall asleep. Keeping a journal for this problem can help you find the trigger for the bipolar insomnia.
- Even though, you shouldn’t exercise before you sleep, it is very important to get a regular exercise during the daytime.
- The bipolar diet is another great tool to help you improve the stress and the anxiety levels.