Bipolar disorder; anybody have some tips to help with insomnia (I take Lunesta, but it doesn't always help!)?

Question

www.NAMI.org - good organization to belong to!

Answer 1

I am bipolar too, and I also have a problem with insomnia, and I really don't have any answers for you either. When I can't sleep, I get up and work on this machine. (looking for people like myself, bipolar and insomniac). There's a good forum you can go to; it's called carePlace.com. It is for people like myself, and other issues as well. But you can learn a lot about bipolar and meds in that forum. Lot of wonderful support! Also DAVID OLIVER. COM has a forum on just bipolar! His mom is bipolar, so he has wrote a lot of advice in this forum, and they will send you weekly letters on different things about bipolar. Also he has a blogging page that you can go on too, and blog with others that are having the same problems as you are having. He is quite knowledgeable about bipolar, but he also wants to sell his course, but you go past that and get the benefit out of the other stuff that he sends you in emails. I have also been on Trazadone and Amtriptylene for sleep too, and that isn't too good, too mild for me. But you really need to talk with a professional, this David Oliver talks about getting the right doctor and counselor. The Trazadone is pretty good for sleep however, my husb. is on it for sleep, and works very good for him.

Answer 2

Hi, I am bipolar as well, I am on lithium and well butrin, at night I take klonapin to help me sleep. I have been on everything under the sun to try and help me sleep. If you are under alot of stress, even while taking a sleep aid you will find that those meds will not help. One thing you can do is try to relieve stress by meditation or exercise. I go days without sleeping the longest I have went with out sleep was 6 days and ended up having a nervous breakdown, suicidal thought, I ended up in a coma and in the hospital. I wasn' t even sure How I got there.

Anw\yway, insomnia is very serious, so go see your dr. and you feel you aren't getting anywhere there, then get u a different dr.

Answer 3

You should see your doctor if your having trouble sleeping. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Sure beats a manic episode. I know it's hard when your minds racing. Trying to lay there is half the battle. Take a warm bath before bed. Sometimes I read a boring text book. (Works for me!) Or if I have to, I'll just use an over the counter sleeping tablet.

Answer 4

I also have bipolar disorder. I take Ambien. I usually take the Ambien and then take a hot bath while reading a book. I am usually so sleepy within a half hour that I basically have to crawl out of the bath tub! Works great!

Answer 5

Take one glass of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of honey, quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of drinking chocolate. Microwave together for 2 minutes until warmed through. Sip slowly. The cinnamon will act as a natural relaxant and help you sleep. It is also important to set a sleep routine by going to bed at the same time each night for 21 days to get your body used to this pattern. A warm bath is also helpful - and if all else fails, try reading a chapter from the Book of Kings in the Bible - guaranteed to make you nod off.

Answer 6

Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress,
dietary and medical problems. By making
small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly,
insomnia can be cured. I found the information at

Answer 7

do yoga & meditation, take a hot cup of milk before goin to bed,read some positive inspirational or spiritual books,sleep in a hard bed

Answer 8

Enjoy the insomnia! I love it when I can skip sleep and feel good.

Answer 9

Try doing something that normally puts you at ease and makes you relax. Maybe even something that you find boring enough to put you to sleep?