![]() ![]() The results support the hypothesis that treatment involving targeting circadian rhythms could also reduce the severity and frequency of bipolar disorder episodes. One study showed disrupted social rhythm regularity (day-to-day variability of daily routines, often linked to circadian rhythm) links to shorter times between manic and depressive episodes.The synchronization of the body’s biological clock and external time cues, such as the dark-light cycle tends to be weaker for those with bipolar disorder.Individuals who have bipolar disorder also show a circadian genetic predisposition, essentially circadian genes, that make them more vulnerable to bipolar disorder.Bipolar disorder and the circadian rhythmīipolar disorder is closely linked to individuals’ circadian rhythm. In a comprehensive review of 42 studies involving over 3400 bipolar disorder patients, disruption of the circadian rhythm was identified. The same is true for hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness and longer nighttime sleep) as this can be the first sign of a depressive episode. So for example, someone experiencing a reduced need for sleep and an intense period of wakefulness can be experiencing the first phase of a manic episode. The state of how a patient is sleeping during these in-between periods can form a reliable indicator (a prodrome) for major episodes that may be coming. Insomnia can also seep into the period of time in between these episodes, referred to as the ‘interepisode periods’. Can impaired sleep predict manic episodes? Thus, applying sleep as treatment becomes necessary for bipolar disorder patients across all phases – as insomnia is decidedly prevalent across all these stages. short sleepers) were more likely to exhibit symptoms of mania, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Studies show that when comparing bipolar patients with varying sleep times, those who clock in fewer hours (i.e. Insomnia is a common manifestation for the manic and depressive episodes that follow with bipolar disorder. Regardless of how sleep manifests itself – sleep disturbance is prevalent across all phases of bipolar disorder. Similarly, depressive episodes are paired with periods of insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Studies show 69%- 99% of bipolar patients reported a reduced need for sleep during manic episodes. Looking at sleep patterns, therefore, is an integral part of forming a diagnosis for bipolar disorder, as manic episodes typically come with a reduced need for sleep and long periods of wakefulness. Cyclothymic disorder – manic and depressive episodes occur repeatedly but without the intensity or length as in bipolar I and II disorders.īipolar disorder and sleep – What’s the connection?Īs stated above, impaired sleep is a core symptom of bipolar disorder, but a disrupted circadian rhythm can also be a trigger.The manic episodes that occur are less intense than in bipolar I. Bipolar II disorder – mainly consists of depressive episodes.Depressive episodes can also occur, as can a mix of the two. Bipolar I disorder – mainly consists of intense manic episodes that last at least a full week, during the whole day.There are three main variants included in bipolar disorder: Some individuals may only suffer a few episodes in a lifetime and others more frequently. Bipolar symptoms can often develop between the age of 15 and 19, but rarely after the age of 40. Best sleep schedules for individuals with bipolar disorderīipolar disorder is a mental illness where an individual can go through interchanging swings of intensely uplifted, ‘high’ moods – manic episodes – and severely ‘low’ and depressed moods – depressive episodes.Bipolar disorder and the circadian rhythm. ![]()
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