Everyone I know with bipolar disorder has some sort of sleep problem- it’s normal. It’s a bother.
Sleep Tips
- Sleep in a cool room- this can make a huge difference. If you get too hot, you will wake up more.
- Turn off lights one hour before bed and listen to a book on tape by a really low watt light- not a daylight bulb! I actually turned off the light last night and listened to a show on my IPOD.
- Have a noise machine such as a humidifier to block out sounds from outside.
- Keep your TV in the living room and definitely don’t watch TV right before going to bed. Not only is it overstimulating, it also emits a bright (blue spectrum) light that is stimulating.
Sometimes when I write these lists I think, this is just all so ridiculous. Why can’t I just be like my friends!
They can go out until 1AM and just sleep a few more hours the next day to make up for it.
Well, I can’t. So I make these lists and do things the best I can.
My friend Dr. Jay Carter- an expert on bipolar disorder treatment says- regulated sleep is the best and least expensive way to naturally reduce mood swings.
Julie
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