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Old Dec 07, 2013, 12:26 AM
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steelfang steelfang is offline
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Ever since I had my first manic episodes and started treatment with lamictal I have found that it takes me longer to shut off my mental noise at night and go to sleep. I am also more sensitive to even the slightest beacon of light entering my room. If I sense light I immediately awaken and lie in bed for almost an hour before resuming sleep whereas before my manic episode I could sleep like a baby even with full lights on.

I have read that bipolar people have extremely sensitive circadian rhythms and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. This is very distressing to me because I am trying very hard to get adequate sleep as part of my mania prevention plan.
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Old Dec 07, 2013, 08:36 AM
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gayleggg gayleggg is offline
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Check with your doctor. It could be a side effect of your medication.
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Old Dec 07, 2013, 08:43 AM
vans1974 vans1974 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelfang View Post
Ever since I had my first manic episodes and started treatment with lamictal I have found that it takes me longer to shut off my mental noise at night and go to sleep. I am also more sensitive to even the slightest beacon of light entering my room. If I sense light I immediately awaken and lie in bed for almost an hour before resuming sleep whereas before my manic episode I could sleep like a baby even with full lights on.

I have read that bipolar people have extremely sensitive circadian rhythms and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. This is very distressing to me because I am trying very hard to get adequate sleep as part of my mania prevention plan.
Sorry to hear! I'm like that when I'm hypomanic! I take Lamictal as well but also find I need an AAP, Latuda, to keep me from hypomania and depression and mixed episodes. For sleep, especially when I'm hypomanic, I take Trazodone, and Neurontin! Best of luck and hope that helps a bit!!
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Old Dec 07, 2013, 02:37 PM
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steelfang steelfang is offline
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Thanks for the support you guys. I spoke with my pdoc about it before but he just wrote it off as depressive symptoms since I've been a little blue lately. I see him again in a week and will bring it up again. I really do hate sleeping so much but I know we have to do it!
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Old Dec 07, 2013, 08:37 PM
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BipolaRNurse BipolaRNurse is offline
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You mean......brains have an 'OFF' switch??
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Old Dec 08, 2013, 12:33 AM
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steelfang steelfang is offline
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Well not an off switch per say (at least I hope not). I often wonder if I have mild anxiety problems but it could be circumstantial. I have only been bipolar 1 since October and it has caused a lot of problems with my academics, self esteem and my house is overwhelmingly messy from my mania. Finals week is soon and I missed so much while manic.

Anyway I really try to calm myself down before taking a pill. I learned ways to cope with stress like listening to on stimulating music or exercising. Takes lots of practice but it is a skill worth pursuing.
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