I can't be the only one...

[Walpurgis]

...with bipolar who just can't get a regular sleeping pattern.

Sometimes I don't need sleep, sometimes I can't sleep but feel like I need to desperately and other times I just can't stay awake. I turn nocturnal for weeks at a time or I sleep every other day for a few weeks or when I'm up I often sleep rough or just walk around the streets all night.

How do you cope with it if you're having similar problems? It makes it really hard for me to have a routine or attend classes or work or just function as a human being.

 

[rushingwind62]

...with bipolar who just can't get a regular sleeping pattern.

Sometimes I don't need sleep, sometimes I can't sleep but feel like I need to desperately and other times I just can't stay awake. I turn nocturnal for weeks at a time or I sleep every other day for a few weeks or when I'm up I often sleep rough or just walk around the streets all night.

How do you cope with it if you're having similar problems? It makes it really hard for me to have a routine or attend classes or work or just function as a human being.

I use to have the same problem. I talked to Dr about it and he put me on trazodone to help me sleep at night. It has really helped me. It also helps with the depression. You might try talking to your Dr about your sleep patterns and tell him/her that it is affecting your daily life.

 

[Walpurgis]

I use to have the same problem. I talked to Dr about it and he put me on trazodone to help me sleep at night. It has really helped me. It also helps with the depression. You might try talking to your Dr about your sleep patterns and tell him/her that it is affecting your daily life.

I haven't heard of it - I had problems with antidepressants before (they made me manic all the time) and my doctor wouldn't prescribe me sleeping pills any time I asked him because I had attempted suicide. I overdosed on pills a few weeks later, so I'm glad he didn't give me them! If this drug is classified as antidepressant or sleeping pills in the UK then I'll be unlikely to be prescribed them. I'm also trying to avoid medication after my OD.

 

[Alaskamomma]

I have the same problem, so be reassured as frustrating as it may be, you are not alone. I am on a sleeping aide, Lunesta, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I would recommend trying melatonin and also valerian root. Both are non-addictive. (However, I realize this post may be pulled because it offers non-traditional suggestions). I am in hopes they will reconsider and let it stand.

 

[rushingwind62]

I haven't heard of it - I had problems with antidepressants before (they made me manic all the time) and my doctor wouldn't prescribe me sleeping pills any time I asked him because I had attempted suicide. I overdosed on pills a few weeks later, so I'm glad he didn't give me them! If this drug is classified as antidepressant or sleeping pills in the UK then I'll be unlikely to be prescribed them. I'm also trying to avoid medication after my OD.

Sorry, I didn't know. It is wise for you to stay away from them if you feel tempted by them. About the only thing I can suggest is exercise heavily a couple hours before you go to bed. Maybe it will wear you out so you can sleep.

 

[Walpurgis]

Much appreciate your comment. I've noted all suggestions thus far - I'll find something that works for me at some point.

 

[Walpurgis]

It's not a case of temptation really...well I don't know. The last time I had problems with it I was having a pretty serious episode and I kept panicking that I hadn't taken my meds and taking them again and forgetting straight away so taking it again. I'll try running more but I often head out when I can't sleep anyway - if I'm high then it doesn't wear me out and if I'm low I can't work up the energy or motivation to get dressed, let alone walk up the hill.

 

[4Everloved]

You're not the only one, Walpurgis

I believe they are addictive, but my counselor prescribed Xanax twice a day as needed for me because of anxiety. Well...it turns out now that I need them to fall asleep at night. Which for me, is okay, since I haven't been sleeping well for years.

It is impossible for me to take the Xanax during the day. I literally cannot function while awake after taking the drug. I told her that. She said I was drug-sensitive.

There's got to be something that can help YOU specifically with your sleep patterns. You are suffering and your life is affected greatly, as you so well described. I hope that your doctor will really listen and be understanding.

We stand with you in prayer.

 

[Alive again]

I would suggest looking into the herbals or other things suggested. I had the blessing of seeing a sleep therapist for my "insomnia" It is her feeling that all mood disorders have an underlying sleep problem, so she actually treats the sleep problem. Her suggestions for me included:

Melatonin 2 hours before bedtime (0.5 mg) -I choose not to use this

Establish a Bedtime routine-about 2 hours before bedtime start dimming the lights (avoid electronic lights as they are bright and reset the normal rhythms of the body and fool it into thinking it is daytime) and doing quiet activities.

If you cannot fall asleep or are becoming drowsy after about one half hour. Get out of bed (to break the memories of tossing and turning and watching the clock) and sit in a darkened room and do something relaxing or boring until you become groggy.

For me she had me keep a sleep log and was able to based on the number of awakening and time getting to sleep etc figured out I was actually sleeping too much-Major change for me as I had always slept long hours) Based on this info she felt I only needed to sleep 7 to 71/2 hours so she said pick what time you want to get up and set your bedtime based on that. Head to bed about 15-30 minutes before that. Set this time as specifically as you would take a medicine!! And I hold to this. Do not vary it more than one half hour. (after a couple of years I can vary up to one hour occasionally if I have recuperation time) For me this has become as important as my meds.

Do NOT exercise after 2 pm (My bedtime is 10:30 with a sleep goal of 11:00) as this activates the metabolism/body clock and can prevent sleep.

I chose to avoid caffeine initially after noon until this was an established routine. Now I can drink caffeine up to 2 pm without problems, but caffeine actually sticks around for 24 hours or so-I think it was 30%ish that is still around at 24 hours, but my memory may be off.

When setting this routine do not let yourself fall asleep early.

30 minute naps only, avoid if you can when setting this routine. DO NOT nap after 2 pm.

She had data and studies and info about the body clock and circadian rhythm to back this up, but I cannot explain it all at this time.

Please recognize that some of this is specific to me and some is more generalized. I did at one time google out more info on this topic, but cannot remember this am what finally pulled up the mood disorder and sleep therapy info.

HOpe one or two pieces of this info is helpful to you.

 

[Alive again]

BTW, another piece that came about this fall was my depression was worsening so my pdoc and me decided to try a SAD light box. it has really helped me ! She did state there was a minor rick of triggering mania.

 

[berry2000]

I take seroquel. It's a mood stablizer that makes you sleepy. Also remeron. It's an antidepressant that makes you sleepy.