Good Evening my readers. I apologize for not
writing in my blog recently, there were a few things going on that, I had to
take some time off of blogging. I ‘am back now in full force. Tonight’s topic is
one that many out there face. How does sleep play a important role in the
mental health aspect? Lack of sleep can trigger mania in a bipolar patient and
too much sleep is a big warning sign that depression is setting in.
It’s important
to get a good night’s rest for anyone, many benefits from having a normal sleep
routine, but those who suffer with bipolar, need to stay on top of their sleep patterns.
Sleep disturbance can trigger the mania
and depression. Knowing what to look for when a person is starting to cycle,
through a mood change is important for those who have bipolar and those in
their life who may care for them, or are close to them in some capacity.
I dealt with severe
bipolar for years. When I did not get a good night’s sleep, it threw my entire
routine and mental capacity off kilter. I was more susceptible to stress,
physical health issues and unable to deal with daily self care. One of the
biggest things that triggers a person with bipolar is stress and lack of sleep
can cause stress. Ones thought patterns are not clear; I was more sensitive to everything.
I was irritable, and on edge.
There is a connection between our body’s internal clock and physiological
responses. Understanding this connection is important part of living daily with
Bipolar. My bipolar has been stable for years, but I still need to stay on top
of my sleep patterns and I know now how to deal in healthy ways with stress. We
need to know our bodies. I deal with chronic pain from a couple different painful
diseases, I don’t sleep well because of my pain, with that being said, I know I
need to stay on top of my sleep patterns, so I don’t fall back into a depression.
Bipolar is not a death sentence, it can be managed and you can learn to cope. I take only 1 medication for
my depression, if I’m not careful with stress I can find myself getting depressed, I do my best to catch up on my
sleep if I have not had a good night sleep night before.
I challenge you to
understand this part of knowing your body and
how you respond to lack of sleep, what to look for.Ways you can do this
is journal your sleep patterns, give yourself a routine and do the best to
stick to it the same time every night, Be open and honest with your therapist. And
most of all give you plenty of TLC tender loving care. Just like all our body
needs care, our minds do too, and sleep is the bodies’ way of refueling,
recharging. You won’t regret it.
