Mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder (BD) come with symptoms and side effects that may demand treatment on their own. To provide the most effective intervention, however, the whole picture has to be revealed. For example, in the case of bipolar and sleep disturbance, treating insomnia without understanding that the patient’s inability to sleep could be caused by bipolar disorder is unlikely to be successful.
This illustrates the importance of understanding every sign and symptom of mental health conditions so they can be recognized early and treated more comprehensively. Here, we’ll look at some of the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and discuss the importance of knowing what to look for. The goal is to be more informed about this complex disease and more equipped to recognize it in our friends and loved ones.
Have You Noticed a Friend Acting Differently?
Friends are known to have good-natured fun at each other’s expense, but what if you poked fun at a friend and they became disproportionately angry or reacted harshly? You might dismiss it as an overreaction, but what if it’s a sign of something more serious?
Increased anger, arguing and violent, out-of-character reactions can be some of the many symptoms of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a common condition, affecting around 37 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The condition is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that produce intense shifts in mood between accelerated manic episodes and periods of intense depression. In different people, these periods can vary in length and severity, making bipolar disorder hard to recognize right away.
Because bipolar disorder typically develops when a person is in their late adolescence or early adulthood, the signs can be difficult to distinguish from the normal mood swings and changes in behavior that are common during these times.
Telltale Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Insomnia in bipolar disorder patients is common, but what else? Here are a few behaviors to look out for if you think someone close to you might have bipolar disorder.
Increased Mood Swings
Many people hear the phrase “mood swings” and think it means a person is happy one minute and upset the next. In reality, the shifts between manic and depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder can last for months. This is a key reason a person with BD might be incorrectly diagnosed with general depression or anxiety before they understand their disorder.
Sleep Disturbance
Bipolar insomnia is very common, but it isn’t the only sleep disorder that may be a sign of the disorder. People with the condition may also suffer from hypersomnia — sleeping too much without any control over it.
Bipolar sleep deprivation often occurs during manic episodes, when the body’s systems are accelerated and disrupt its own internal clock. During depressive periods, however, the body is slowed down and may not be able to wake up at a time that’s considered healthy for human behavior.
Another challenge faced by some bipolar individuals is insomnia caused by the drugs they’re prescribed to manage the condition. Lithium insomnia is a relatively rare side effect and not well-documented, but it’s something some individuals experience. Conversely, there are reports of hypersomnia in other individuals.
Increased Arguing
People with BD are often quick to react strongly because of their fluctuating emotions. This means every conversation can turn into an argument about things that may not really be important in the big picture.
This can result in a situation where a person who doesn’t know they’re struggling with bipolar disorder pushes away friends or family before they can get help. If you notice someone close to you has become difficult to be around, consider looking carefully at their other behaviors for additional signs of an underlying mental health condition.
Increased Motivation and Planning
Not all signs of bipolar disorder are negative ones. People having manic episodes related to bipolar disorder often become highly motivated and hyper-focused. This can make them more productive. However, they may also tend to make unrealistic plans or start working on projects they’ll never finish.
Self-Harm
Hopelessness and frustration are key features of bipolar disorder. During times of bipolar depression, those who suffer from it may exhibit self-destructive behaviors, including the tendency to self-harm. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are common in bipolar patients, and earlier diagnosis of the condition can go a long way toward protecting their health and personal safety.
Rage
During periods of manic behavior, people with bipolar disorder can be prone to uncontrollable bursts of anger and rage. This can have negative consequences for the person and their relationships with loved ones. Some studies have revealed a link between bipolar disorder and domestic violence as a result of this behavior change.
Increased Impulsiveness
A person with bipolar disorder may think less about what they’re doing in the moment. If someone you know starts taking part in risky behaviors, says things that are inappropriate in a given setting or seems to make more decisions based on impulse, this could be a sign of bipolar or another personality disorder.
Sleep and Bipolar Disorder: What’s the Link?
Sleep and bipolar disorder are closely linked, with bipolar disorder affecting a person’s circadian rhythm during both manic and depressive episodes. Sleep interruption also potentially affects a person’s ability to manage their condition.
Some individuals living with bipolar disorder experience delayed sleep phase syndrome, causing both insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Others have abnormal REM sleep patterns, leading to vivid or bizarre dreams.
During periods of depression, it’s common for individuals with bipolar disorder to experience hypersomnia, meaning they sleep more than necessary. This is even more common than insomnia.
How Sleep Disruption Affects Bipolar Symptoms
Poor sleep can be a trigger for mood episodes among people with bipolar disorder. A lack of sleep impairs the functioning of the parts of the brain that regulate mood, leading to irritability, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
In a person with bipolar disorder, poor sleep can increase the likelihood of both manic and depressive episodes. Keeping to a regular sleeping pattern may not eliminate such episodes, but it can help manage the condition.
Sleep Hygiene and Stabilization Techniques
Following good sleep hygiene can improve mood stability and overall well-being. Figuring out how to sleep when manic isn’t easy. Some sleep stabilization techniques to consider include:
- Setting a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time in the morning, even on weekends.
- Having a pre-bed routine. Follow the same routine every night to help yourself unwind before bed.
- Limiting caffeine intake. Avoid caffeine in the afternoons, as it can take a long time to leave your system.
- Turning off your phone. Avoid screen time for an hour before bed. Read a paper book or do something relaxing instead.
- Getting up for a while. Train yourself to think of the bed as a place to sleep. If you can’t sleep, get up and relax until you feel tired.
- Avoiding naps. Try not to nap during the day unless it’s absolutely necessary, especially when you’re trying to get used to a regular sleep routine for the first time.
Never Force a Diagnosis
It’s important to understand that the above behavior and mood changes are common signs of bipolar disorder. However, just because a person is exhibiting one or more of them doesn’t necessarily mean they have the condition. This is especially true because many of the signs are present in other conditions as well, which is why bipolar patients are often misdiagnosed.
Understanding what a condition looks like isn’t a foolproof way to diagnose it yourself; it’s just the opposite. Even if someone is exhibiting all the above signs, it’s dangerous to try to identify, treat or access medication for an undiagnosed condition. The above list of the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is a way to know what to look out for and when it might be a good idea to seek professional guidance.
Take the First Step Toward Treating Bipolar Disorder and Sleep Issues
From treating insomnia in a bipolar person to trying to curb suicidal thoughts, aggression and other consequences of mood swings, it’s important to have access to professionals trained in mental health intervention. At FHE Health, we treat all types of mental disorders. If you suspect someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder, contact us to learn about all the available treatment options.
