Candida Fink

“Can you sleep-deprive your way out of a depressed episode? Some researchers think that it may be possible. Using a technique called TSD (total sleep deprivation), researchers subjected depressed bipolar patients to three cycles of sleep deprivation, each consisting of a 36-hour period of sleeplessness followed by a 12-hour sleep-in. After the sessions, over half the participants reported feeling less depressed. The trouble is, TSD runs about a 10 percent risk of kicking a bipolar sufferer into hypomania or mania — about the same rate as SSRI antidepressants. In addition, the positive effects of TSD generally wear off as soon as you return to your normal sleep/wake cycle. Researchers continue to study the potential benefits of TSD when used in combination with other therapies, but the only solid conclusion that researchers have reached is that TSD is definitely not something you should try on your own.”
― Candida Fink, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies

“Sleeplessness creates a vicious negative spiral with bipolar, causing sleeplessness and sleeplessness contributing to bipolar. Sleep management is important in trying to hinder the progression of bipolar disorder.”
― Candida Fink, Bipolar Disorder For Dummies