My sleeping patterns are so wierd.

[Jillew]

Some days i can sleep for a couple of hours and then i can stay up all night and then i will wake up in the late afternoon. why is this happening. My nights and days aren't messed up. I go to the psychiatrist and we can't get it together. sleeping meds aren't working either.

[JillthePill77]

Do you have a good psychologist, too.  Mine helps me figure out how to explain issues to the psychiatrist so that I can get the meds I need.  Also, she helps plan an exercise program so that I am really tired when it is bed time.  For my sleep problems recently she said to set an alarm clock for 9:00 AM and drag myself out of bed so that I will be exhausted at night time.  Get plenty of exercise and activities going.

Do you have any cyclic thinking?  That's what gets me.  I have an as-needed script of 1mg Haldol that I use for that.  I also don't go to bed unless I am very,very tired.  I read, do Suduko, or play on the computer.  I don't try to fall asleep just because it's bedtime.  That doesn't work for me.

I have bipolar AND sleep disorders.  A good sleep disorders clinic can be very useful too.

Keep me posted.

[Crystlas]

I had the same problem you do.  Then I read some info. that bipolars do not produce melatonin like regular folk.  I have used melatonin off and on over the years but not seriously until now.  I have tired everything for sleep and had wacky problems too.  Now I take a dissolving melatonin 5mg every night.  These work instantly and much better than regular tablets.  If I need a "booster"  I have passion flower and Chamomile capsules, as well as, regular 3mg melatonin tabs.  I just use whatever I think will help.  But not all three unless I am really wacked out, since it sometimes takes a ton of natural remedies to knock me out.  However, since using the dissolving melatonin I have noticed a huge difference in my sleeping and my cercadian rhythms (sp?) are getting settled down again into a regular pattern.  Another helpful tip is for racing thoughts, which I suffer a lot.  I use a theraputic sound machine that plays different soothing sounds.  My favorite is the ocean waves.  It matches my breathing and I can concentrate on the waves which calms my mind.  I sleep so much better now that I have these methods, but struggled for a long time like you.  I have always had troubles with sleeping since I was very young.  Maybe this can help you?  Natural methods are the way to go for me, since I am on prescription meds for my BP.  A lot of bipolars do well with atypical antipsychotics since they are sedative.  However, I have bad side effects and threw the last one in the trash, my respridal.  I took matters into my own hands, taking the natural way for sleep and bam...I am doing a lot better.  Hope this helps you some!  Sorry for the spelling mistakes, I am sleepy and it is late!  Take care.

[undertow]

I have the exact same problem!!! it's 6:27 am right now, i think i've watched a full season of freaks and geeks because i just can't sleep.
I'll get laggy around noon, pass out around 3, sleep until 6ish and then wake up and do it all over again. Sleeping pills make me vomit so i've taken to frantic writing.

You just have to remember that you don't HAVE to sleep, it's just a societal thing. taking the stress of actually getting to sleep often helps calm and sooth you.
just relax, dim the lights, breath, leave the bills and chores until tomorrow, and remember that i'm probably awake too :)

[Crystlas]

However....not having a proper sleep pattern ie.  Cercadian Rythms in place is not good for being bipolar and can aggrivate and also bring on cycles of depression and mania.  Sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining stability with bipolar disorder!

[DLA]

But not one of the easiest to come by.  I'll probably be up, too.

[Crystlas]

LOL...I heard that!  I have NEVER been a good sleeper and always battled insomnia.  I think I found my nitche though.  So far so good!  Not perfect, but close to...I just hope it lasts!  

[1ActiveLady]

I also am having a terrible time with sleep. I just started Lunesta. My problem is,even with sleep aids (I just stopped taking Ambien), I get up too early in the morning. I can't work because I have bipolar and I am on disability. I have trouble reading because of my bipolar. I have been told to get up and read. Then when it's daytime, I have nothing to do but read some more, I am so frustrated and bored.  I want 8 hours sleep, but only get around 5.5. Eight hours would take me til 8:30, going to be at 12:30.I sit in the dark for about 25 min.to increase my melatonin and drink warm milk and a warm shower. Any ideas to sleep longer? Things to do besides reading?This is my 1st post, I would love to hear from all of you. Thanks!