[korafrancesca]

About 4 weeks ago, I had a bit of an epiphany and changed my mindset and the way I thought about things. I had spent time thinking hard about many painful and shameful memories in the past and then came to realize it really hadn't been my fault at all and I did nothing wrong. This has made me a lot more optimistic, happy, motivated, and confident in the past few weeks.

However, around the same time, I have been not able to fall asleep until very late at night. When I do fall asleep though, I sleep well and for at least 8 hours. But last night, I couldn't sleep at all, spent a lot of time thinking... though I wouldn't say my thoughts were racing. Tonight I can't sleep again even though I didn't get much sleep last night.

Are these signs of the onset of another manic episode? I haven't had one since September 2010. Thanks for any advice.... I can't call my doctor until Monday.

[gypsy713]

I'm not sure, definitely important that you check it out though if you have had one before. If it is, the doctor can help you manage it. I do not sleep well at all in general, my thoughts race mostly in the evening time uncontrollably and I wish I knew how to turn it off. I'm going to be going to the doctor to get some sleeping pills pretty soon.

Hi korafrancesca! First of all, congratulations on your breakthough and all the good things it has brought you! I'm so happy for you!

Those good feeling certainly can bring extra energy and be especially joyful when if they haven't been felt in a long time. Considering that, it's not surprising that you find yourself with many thoughts because of that. I know I would! It's like a new world has opened up. Personally, I do a lot of big thinking in the night, and even if not racing, it does interfere with sleep. (And my "ability" to do so night after night has no effect from previous nights' sleep patterns. Not saying that's a good thing(!) True for me hypomanic or not.)

So... guess I'm saying that part of it anyway is natural. Nonetheless, it's something to keep an eye on, especially if this sort of pattern is among your triggers. Do you keep a mood chart with your sleep patterns on it?

[korafrancesca]

Thanks so much for your perspective. It's nice to know that you've had similar feelings and experiences. You said "it has opened a world of possibility" - that's exactly how I feel, and I haven't felt this way for a loonnnnnnggg time. I usually avoid the thoughts I'm having now.

I will monitor it though to make sure. Thanks!