[EBD8]

I'm BP2 and have been around more BP1's than 2's although in some cases it seems irrelevant to some docs although I some think some of the medication is targeted for bp1 or 2 by some docs. The question now that I can formulate my thoughts a little is...When I've been hypomanic or severely depressed the need for sleep for me is the same. Between 5-6 for hours a sleep is all I have needed since around 1993. Now If I don't take any medication it will get down to around 1 hour of sleep for 4-5 days then I will sleep 4 hours. And that crazy sleep cycle will start over. Is that the way it is for most?, the need for less sleep even when your depressed, it is for me. Just curious.. I take no responsibility for this post cause my mind is a RACING.

[roads]

No, not at all normal for me or any bipolar I know. I'd discuss this with my pdoc at first opportunity. While five hours sleep may be sufficient in some cases, I don't think one hour would ever be good. The amount of sleep we get is so important in relation to the cycles and has such a huge effect on our being able to attain balance.

[EBD8]

I get down 1 hour of sleep if I take NO medication. Been in Indiana for 10 months. Used to take klonopin for anxiety and sleep and haven't been able to get it since 2009, it really helped me with both, Since I'm an addict, drugs, alcohol they think it will trigger a relapse. Got an appointment with a GP next week for Blood pressure and thyroid check and just see what he thinks.

[emgreen]

I'm BP 1 & sleep too much when depressed. During normal times & I get about 6 hours sleep. 2-3 hours is a BAD sign of approaching mania for me. 4-5 days of that & I lose it. Have you ever tried Benedryl for sleep? It's an over-the-counter med & isn't habit forming.

[EBD8]

I do have a script for visteril. 50mg 3 times a day. Just to stubborn to get it filled. Guess I should do that hugh? Since the BP kicked in full blown I really never have been able to take care of myself. I can always see what others should do and it is logical to me. I don't mean to vent but after 30 years of being married to a BPD female it took its toll on me. At times I really have trouble figuring out who I am at times. Hence the PTSD dx. Yes I'm disabled because of all that I have been through and I'm just beginning to recover from all I have been through. I get overwhelmed at times and poor decision making has followed me like a bad habit. I still struggle with stupid grandiose thoughts a lot.

[LoveLoveS]

For me when I'm feeling depressed I cant even get out of bed. When I'm manic, I cant sleep and my mind is racing...... It's really tough. I'm so tired of this :'(

[A Red Panda]

I've got a few different sleep schedules.

Normal mood: I need about 8 hours. May wake up once or twice for a few minutes. Dreams not too common.

Up periods: - can't fall asleep
- less than 6 hours of sleep
- frequent waking up
- waking up hours early
- Not tired at all
- vivid dreams

Depressed periods:
- exhausted even with 9 hours of sleep
- nightmares
- may wake up extremely early and be unable to sleep, despite being exhausted

I sleep 10-12 hours when depressed, 11-14 when depressed and medicated. Pretty much exactly 8 when normal, about 4-7 and usually much interrupted when hypo and about 5-9 when hypo on meds. But isn't it normal for some bipolar people to sleep less when depressed? I know it is for unipolar people.