Tossing and turning when it's time to hit the sack isn’t just a pain in the neck for everyone but hits doubly hard for people living with bipolar disorder. Why? Sleep problems can not only worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder but can also trigger bipolar symptoms themselves, leaving you in a vicious cycle of wake, sleep, repeat.

Still, scientists are scratching their heads on the chicken-or-egg conundrum of sleep issues and bipolar disorder. One thing’s for sure: if you're diagnosed with bipolar disorder, protecting your sacred sleep cycle is non-negotiable. Even if you're not channeling Eeyore or too buzzy to blink, insomnia and sleepiness are just as threatening, promising a misstep into the next manic or depressive episode.

And for those of you thinking you can just power through on minimal sleep, listen up. Your biggest risk isn't just a grumpy demeanor or glazed-over eyes. Try depression, worry, battles with concentration, and in the worst-case scenario, accidental death. Therefore, don’t shrug off erratic sleep patterns. Open up to your doctor and lay your sleep woes bare.

The variety pack of sleep issues for people with bipolar disorder can be baffling. For some, less sleep is needed to stay peppy and productive, while others can’t seem to catch enough zzz's. This largely depends on the manic or depressive states you find yourself in. Mania can pump you up to the point where you can subsist on half your regular snooze time, while depressive episodes increase chances of insomnia.

Bipolar disorder can sometimes slap you with obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing gets briefly disrupted while you're in Nod’s land. It can also turn you into a sleepwalker or sleep talker, though usually with no harm done save for some bruised dignity. More serious though is sleep phase delay syndrome, causing trouble falling asleep and mucking up your wake-up alarm. And let's not forget irksome daytime sleepiness due to lousy nightly repose, ruining your daytime alertness and decision-making ability.

To add more misery to the mix, lack of sleep can turn bipolar symptoms on their head. In fact, for many bipolar patients, sleep issues are the red flag signaling an impending manic episode. Sleep deprivation and activities throwing off your sleep rhythms like shift work or hopping time zones can trigger hypomanic or manic periods.

To deal with this double-edged sword of bipolar disorder and sleep problems, you need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. Start by seeking professional help from a mental health or sleep specialist to handle your symptoms. Tweak your bipolar medications with your doctor’s advice to manage any sleep-related side effects. Stick to a firm bedtime schedule to maintain your circadian rhythm. Document your sleep habits and symptoms in a sleep diary to uncover patterns that could be messing with your shut-eye.

The hour before bedtime is sacred. No over the top activities. No substances that rev you up. Ditch your cell phone, keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and snug. Don't bustle about, work up a sweat, or light up a smoke. Instead, indulge in soft background music to lull you to sleep.

To level up your sleep game, consider bright light therapy in the mornings to normalize your sleep schedule. Drift off into tranquil slumbers and keep your bipolar symptoms at bay. Sleep, after all, isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Particularly when you're living with bipolar disorder, care for your sleep like you'd guard a treasure chest. Because it's gold.