Link Between Sleep Disturbances and the Onset of Mania

People with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder often have trouble with getting regular sleep. Unfortunately this can sometimes create a vicious cycle as their sleep issues can worsen symptoms of their disorder. This is especially a problem for people with bipolar disorder who may find that their problems with sleeping can trigger a manic episode.

Studies of bipolar disorder have linked sleep disturbances with both problems functioning and the onset of mania in many individuals. The two issues influence each other as many people with bipolar disorder find that their symptoms make it difficult to sleep and their lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Research has shown that about half of people with bipolar disorder wake up in the night or have difficulty falling asleep.

People that are not able to sleep a full eight hours a night often have a worse quality of life especially when they are dealing with a complicated disorder like bipolar disorder. Lack of sleep can lead to a manic episode which in turn which cause the individual to sleep even less. Mania can cause people with bipolar disorder to feel that they need less sleep to function.

It is important for people with bipolar disorder to try to improve their sleeping habits in order to minimize the onset of episodes and also to improve their overall quality of life. Some medications and lifestyle changes can help people with the disorder start to sleep more regularly. With treatment, some of their symptoms may be reduced which can also help promote better sleep.

Eating a healthy diet, exercising, going to therapy and avoiding alcohol and drugs can all lead to better sleep and as a result will minimize the possibility of triggering a manic episode.

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source https://www.goodencenter.org/sleep-disturbances-and-mania/