Excessive Sleeping Help!

[HLon99]

Dear all,

For the last few months I have been doing a lot better. About 5 months ago I was in the midst of a horrible mixed-state rapid cycling episode that nearly drove me off the wall. Since getting treatment my mood has been a lot better (with only some minor occasional dips into mild depression) and I have been stabilised on Lamictal 200mg and Aripiprazole 5mg. Initially the Aripiprazole would make me sleepy, but now I experience little to no side effects from the meds I'm on.

However, for the past few weeks I have been sleeping excessively into the early hours of the afternoon, 10-11 hours a day. My mood is fine, and I feel great on the whole, but the sleep issue is not going away. I go to bed at a normal time, around midnight, but cannot for the life of me get up before 10. Can anyone relate to this type of hypersomnia.

I read it could be a sign that an episode is coming? Anyone have any advice?

thanks in advance
-H

 

[Another Maniac]

Unfortunately, bad sleep is commonly associated with mental illness. I'm probably in no shape to give sleeping advice since my sleep at the moment is all over the place but I can't help myself.

Perhaps try to set an alarm for when you would like to get up for a couple of days until your body naturally gets up at that time. You may feel a bit groggy at first but as you adjust your body clock, your energy levels should line up too. Consistency is key.

Excessive sleep could be a sign of an oncoming episode, especially if it's been happening for awhile. If you're really worried about it and notice any other symptoms then you should get in contact with a health care professional - whoever is usually your first point of contact. I would go to a GP or if you had a case manager then let them know.