Lack of Sleep is one of the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

BPHope.com is an online portal dedicated to helping those who exhibit symptoms of bipolar disorder. There are a number of symptoms related to the condition and some of these include impulsivity, psychosis, thoughts of suicide, stress, substance abuse, hypersexuality, depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings and sleep problems.

For people who are exhibiting symptoms for bipolar disorder, BPHope.com lends itself as a helping hand in finding resources as well as others who manage and struggle with the condition. On the site you’ll find many articles, blogs and a community forum where individuals can speak freely and feel hopeful through the knowledge that there are known strategies and coping techniques for bipolar symptoms.

Sleep disturbances are one of the nearly constant hallmarks of mood disorders, bipolar disorder among them; a full 94% of people living with bipolar disorder report sleep disturbances. Regulating our mood is highly dependent on the quality and number of hours of sleep we get the night before. For people living with bipolar symptoms and bipolar disorder, any sleep disruption can mean an escalated chance for an episode of depression or mania.

Sleep is often a difficult arena for those with symptoms of bipolar disorder because for those who are experiencing mania, sleep seems unneeded and a waste of time. Mania means being highly alert and wanting to be super productive, and sleep is the opposite of that (for what the individual wants to accomplish, a lot is accomplished within the body during sleep like energy restoration and hormonal balancing). Whereas, when an individual with symptoms for bipolar disorder is in a depressive state, they may go through a period of excessive tiredness and spend too much time asleep.

So how does someone suffering from bipolar symptoms get some sleep when their brain is screaming at them to stay awake? Finding their own ‘off’ button is the key. Healthy ways to relax such as yoga and meditation are just a couple forms of self-induced relaxation that a person can practice. Also, people who are overweight or obese often have trouble sleeping which can trigger mood disorders. So, not only does losing weight help you feel better, it will also help you catch some mind and body-rejuvenating zzz’s.

If you are unsure why you are experiencing sleep disturbances, keep a daily and nightly record of things like the caffeine you’ve consumed during the day and at what time, meals eaten and at what time, time gone to bed, stimulants used like cigarettes, other medications taken, etc. Keeping a log will help you discover the reasons behind your sleep disturbances and will better help you manage your symptoms of bipolar disorder.

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