Trying to sleep during a hypomanic episode can be challenging and frustrating. Hypomania is a state of heightened energy, increased activity, racing thoughts, and a decreased need for sleep. As a result, individuals experiencing a hypomanic episode often find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, even when they feel physically tired.
Here are some common experiences that people with hypomania might encounter when trying to sleep:
Racing thoughts: Your mind may be filled with a constant flow of thoughts, ideas, or plans, making it difficult to quiet your mind and relax.
Restlessness: You might feel physically restless, as if you have excess energy that makes it hard to lie still.
Increased alertness: Hypomania can lead to a heightened sense of alertness and heightened senses, making it harder to wind down.
Reduced need for sleep: During a hypomanic episode, you might feel like you need less sleep than usual or that you can function well with little sleep.
Engagement in activities: Instead of feeling tired at bedtime, you may find yourself drawn to engaging in various activities or projects, further delaying sleep.
Elevated mood: Hypomania is characterized by an elevated or euphoric mood, which can make it challenging to relax and fall asleep.
Difficulty in winding down: Establishing a calming pre-sleep routine may be challenging due to the racing thoughts and heightened activity level.
Tendency to be easily distracted: You might find that your mind wanders easily, making it difficult to focus on falling asleep.
The combination of these factors can lead to significant disruptions in sleep patterns during a hypomanic episode. While hypomania itself can be enjoyable for some individuals due to the increased energy and elevated mood, the lack of sleep can lead to feelings of exhaustion, irritability, and impaired functioning during the day.
If you're experiencing difficulty sleeping during a hypomanic episode, it's crucial to communicate this to your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and potential adjustments to your treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and improve your sleep patterns. Techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene practices may also be helpful in promoting better sleep during this period.