Many people have experienced vivid, unsettling nightmares from time to time. In people with bipolar disorder, these dreams aren’t isolated events — they can be tied closely to the condition’s emotional highs and lows.
Nightmares often occur during depressive episodes, especially in those diagnosed with bipolar II. Bipolar II is characterized by longer periods of depression and less intense periods of hypomania.
During depressive episodes, your brain may process negative emotions and stress more intensely, which can carry over into your sleep. This emotional turbulence can lead to more frequent nightmares.
These dreams can feel especially real and emotionally distressing, sometimes leaving you exhausted or anxious upon waking. Disruptions during the night may worsen your mood and increase the risk of triggering a new episode.
While nightmares may not be as frequent during mania, reduced sleep and heightened brain activity can still lead to unusual or intense dreaming. This can further complicate your ability to get high quality rest.
If you take medication for bipolar disorder, speak with your prescribing physician about any sleep-related side effects. Some medications can affect dreaming, and adjustments might reduce nightmares.
Living with bipolar disorder can make sleep challenging, but by understanding how your mood impacts your dreams and taking proactive steps, you can work toward more restful, restorative nights.
What you can do today
- Prioritizing a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important things you can do. Going to bed and waking up every day around the same time helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm.
- Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and limiting screen time before bed can also create a more peaceful sleep environment.
- Managing stress through practices like mindfulness, journaling, or therapy may also help ease the mental load that contributes to disturbing dreams.