Is bipolar disorder a sleep disorder?

For three out of four people with bipolar disorder, sleep problems are the most common signal that a period of mania is about to occur. Sleep deprivation, as well as jet lag, can also trigger manic or hypomanic episodes for some people with bipolar disorder. read more

Between cycles, people with bipolar disorder also report lower-quality sleep in general, with more night waking, a general sense of less sleep, and, occasional insomnia. It’s the lack of quality sleep that seems to put people with bipolar at risk for another episode, Gehrman says. read more

Getting the right amount of sleep is one of the biggest challenges that people with bipolar disorder may face. Persons experiencing the manic or hypomanic phase of the illness can go on little or no sleep for lengthy periods. read more