Sleep and Bipolar Disorder

Sleep disturbance is a cardinal feature of bipolar disorder. During acute mania, patients exhibit markedly reduced sleep time and report a reduced need for sleep. The reduced need for sleep can be further defined as the “ability to maintain energy without sufficient sleep” (Plante and Winkelman, 2008). Even when euthymic, sleep disturbance is common (Harvey 2008). In a recent study, 55% of euthymic bipolar patients had chronic insomnia (Harvey et al 2005). Both insomnia and hypersomnia have been reported in patients with bipolar depression (Harvey 2008). Children with bipolar disorder (who often display ultradian rapid cycling rather than distinct mood episodes) exhibit reduced sleep efficiency and frequent nocturnal awakenings (Mehl et al 2006).

Both homeostatic and circadian sleep abnormalities are thought to play a role in bipolar disorder (Plante and Winkelman 2008).

Polysomnographic studies of unmedicated manic panics have found shortened total sleep time, shortened REM latency, and increased time awake in bed (Plante and Winkelman 2008).

**Harvey AG. Sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder: seeking synchrony, harmony, and regulation. Am J Psychiatry 2008;165(7):820-9.**


Harvey AG, Schmidt DA, Scarna A, Semler CN, Goodwin GM. Sleep-related functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, patients with insomnia, and subjects without sleep problems. Am J Psychiatry 2005;162(1):50-7.

Mehl RC, O’Brien LM, Jones JH, Dreisbach JK. Correlates of sleep and pediatric bipolar disorder. Sleep 2006;29(2):193-7.

**Plante DT, Winkelman JW. Sleep disturbance in bipolar disorder: therapeutic implications. Am J Psychiatry 2008;165(7):830-43.**

The above is excerpted from an article I wrote on Sleep Disorders and Mental Illness for Medlink Neurology.