I finally got a few nights of 8hr + sleep.

It's so important for me because historically this time of year I'm usually in my 3rd or 4th month of mania, but this year I am not and I'm doing a lot of things to help keep that at bay. I know mania is inevitable, but the longer I have without it the more I can strengthen my mind and work on myself while I'm in my window of wellness.

I've been maintaining my mood at a pretty even keel for 6 months with one bad 10 day spell of depression in September 2020. But instead of trying to fix it myself I reached out to my professional supports and had a med adjustment, and that helped a great deal.

I wanted to share with anyone who was curious what's been working for me, so I thought I'd write what's worked and what hasn't.

Sleep hygiene is a process, one that I'm constantly battling with because I know it's the first step in keeping my mind recharged and able to cope. I had a few methods of always making sure I slept. Back in July and August when I was coming down from a 2 year manic spree, I was prescribed zoplicone (immovane) that I took every night without fail to make sure I was getting a great deal of sleep. I let my body rest and recover, and I didn't beat myself up for getting nothing done around the house. I made my mind and body the priority in early recovery.

As I got better, I needed less sleep and worked with my pdoc to make sure I didn't become dependent on my sleep aid, and we agreed to cut the sleep aid from my daily medications but keep it on hand should I need it from time to time. I did use it from time to time, but needed it less often. I also switched to using melatonin for a few months. I took it at the same time every night and listened to my body when it was tired and went to bed.

I started a journal. I write for fifteen minutes a night in it before I go to bed. I share my fears, my successes, I talk to myself like a would a good friend. I get my anxieties out on paper but don't commit to writing for long. I accept that things will never be perfect and it helps clear my mind so I can rest easy when I turn out the light and roll over.

I try to go to sleep at a the same time every night, regardless if it's a weekend or not. This is not easy because I live with family and they like to stay up late and I like to socialize, but it's a small sacrifice to make sure my fuel tank is full to handle the day and weeks ahead.

My sleep aid recently stopped working and I had a minor meltdown about it. Then I calmed down and did some research. It was time to start exercising moderately to help regulate my routine, so I've been doing that this week for about 15 minutes a day, and suddenly my sleep is back on track again.

Sleep was the first thing I needed to address to start healing my mind. I will always be bipolar, but I'm starting to gain some confidence that it will never be as bad as it was. Thanks for reading.