I've used logs for sleep and other habits as identifiers for reoccurring episodes. I made templates for myself using examples I found online. I also share some of them with my family so they can help me see this too.

Here's a link to where I uploaded them on my blog. Maybe they might be something to help others too. The ones I found online were too small to print or you had to pay for them.

I've noticed my diet and exercise have a lot to do with my sleep patterns and when I feel manic depression I sleep too much but have nightmares and don't sleep well and during mania I barely sleep but can have similar dreams.

The World Through My Eyes: Bipolar Tool Box.

Tracking every little factor is time consuming but during episodes I've actually found myself eager to grab my mood log journal to get out my emotions for a small instant relief.