How Does Bipolar Disorder Cause Insomnia?

Identification

Bipolar disease is a psychiatric disorder in which patients vary between periods of unusually high mood (also known as manic episodes) and unusually low mood (depressive episodes). Although the exact cause of bipolar disease is not completely understood, it is thought that there is a genetic component, because people who have a family history of bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder themselves. Bipolar disorder typically begins during late adolescence or early childhood and can be difficult to treat because of the disorder's combination of both manic and depressive episodes.

Mania and Insomnia

Insomnia is quite common during manic episodes. Patients often experience a decreased need for sleep and rest during manic episodes. Some of this may be a result of another common symptom, which is racing thoughts, which often manifests itself as the patient speaking at a rapid pace. Patients experiencing a manic episode may work well into the night and feel like they do not need sleep to continue being productive. In these cases, a lack of sleep may not be perceived as "insomnia" but instead as having unusual energy and motivation. Consequently, while patients may not sleep much during a manic episode, they rarely complain about it.

Depression and Insomnia

Insomnia is not limited to manic episodes. Patients with bipolar disorder who are going through a depressive episode will experience many or all of the symptoms of major depressive disorder. These symptoms include changes in sleeping habits. Although not all patients going through a depressive episode will have insomnia, some will. This could be a result of feelings of increased anxiety and agitation that often occur during depressive episodes. Depressed patients who are having trouble sleeping generally consider this to be a "symptom" and may attempt to take medications (including herbs) to help them sleep. This can be dangerous because these compounds can interact with medications given for bipolar disorder.