Coping With Bipolar Disorder: Sleeping Patterns

A lot of people I speak to mention sleeping patterns, or the lack thereof when it comes to dealing with individuals and groups that have Bipolar Affective disorder. So I thought I would put together this article.

I myself, have problems with maintaining regular sleeping pattern, and in doing so find it very difficult to work or to find work that can fit around my sleeping patterns. Flexitime helps, but can only go so far. This also seems to be the case with most individuals that I see, meet, or hear from on a regular basis. So what can one do to attempt to control their sleeping pattern?

Set yourself a regular bedtime and stick to it. – This is extremely difficult to do, especially for someone with Bipolar Affective Disorder, so try to set an alarm that goes off and tells you to go to bed. Or if you are living with friends, ask one of them nicely if they would be so kind as to ensure that you get off to bed at a certain time. This is one of the most helpful tricks you can use, and will provide you with some stablility and control over your sleeping patterns.

Keep your meals to regular, set times. – This may seem a bit odd, but if you eat your meals at the same time everyday, you are more likely to be able to sleep at a regular time, and therefore your sleeping pattern problems will be kicked into touch.

So what do you think? What else can you do to help you sleep at night?