Vivid Dreams, Nightmares, and Night Terrors in Bipolar Disorder

Disturbed sleep is common in people who have bipolar disorder. Many experience nightmares and even night terrors, coupled with either insomnia or too much sleep, depending on whether they're experiencing a manic or depressive episode.

Vivid Dreams and Nightmares

Nightmares are disturbing, well-remembered dreams that usually incite anxiety and fear. They typically occur later in the evening during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and cause a person to wake up abruptly. Some experts believe that nightmares in people with bipolar disorder may predict upcoming mood shifts.

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Nightmares in Children

Children who have bipolar disorder may suffer disproportionately from nightmares. Dreams of explicit violence, gore, and death as well as dreams that signal a fear of abandonment have been reported. Of course, most children experience nightmares on occasion. Children with bipolar disorder, however, can experience these more significantly.

Night Terrors

Night terrors are also common in people with bipolar disorder. Unlike nightmares, night terrors do not occur during REM sleep.

During a night terror, the person awakes in a state of terror and is typically confused and inconsolable. They may or may not recall the episode in the morning.

Night terrors are rare in adults, yet many who experience them have other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. In these episodes, people may abruptly sit up in bed, sometimes screaming or thrashing around in fear. They seem confused and don't recognize anyone; some even run from the bedroom in an apparent attempt to avoid harm.

Lamictal and Dream Abnormalities

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a mood stabilizer approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat bipolar disorder and certain seizure disorders. It effectively prevents the recurrence/relapse of mood episodes in both bipolar I and bipolar II.

However, some people who take Lamictal can experience a variety of sleep-related side effects, including an increase in nightmares and abnormal dreams.

Coping

Researchers don't fully know what causes people with bipolar disorder to experience nightmares and night terrors. What is known is that the continuation of these sleep disturbances increases the severity and frequency of symptoms during both manic and depressive episodes.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to living a manageable life with bipolar disorder. If you're struggling with sleep disturbances such as nightmares or night terrors, experts recommend you do the following:

Bedtime

Establish a bedtime routine. Stick to a set of habits that help prepare you for rest each night. Take a bath, read a book, or listen to some music to calm your body and help set the mood for a sound night's sleep. Creating a routine can give your mind something to focus on instead of your worries and anxiety.

Avoid Sleep-Interfering Substances

Avoid substances that interfere with sleep. Some substances like caffeine prevent you from sleeping, while others such as alcohol or marijuana can help you fall asleep, but can affect the quality of your sleep. Avoid all for a more restful sleep.

Exercise

Exercise regularly. Exercise helps maintain good health. But if it's done late at night, it can significantly interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep, especially if you're living with bipolar disorder. Exercising in the earlier part of the day, on the other hand, can help support healthy sleep.

Get Medical Help

Talk to your doctor. If you're concerned about the frequency of your nightmares or night terrors, schedule an appointment to see your doctor. You might also want to ask your doctor whether any of the medications you're taking (both over-the-counter and prescription) cause sleep problems as a side effect, and whether an alternative option may be more suitable.

A Word From Verywell

Adequate sleep is essential for both mental and physical health, and research suggests that poor sleep can contribute to relapses in bipolar disorder. Therefore, if you're troubled by vivid dreams, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Some medications may be able to help you can get a more peaceful night's sleep.