Sleep Problems - Help me help someone

I don't know much about how being bi-polar would affect sleep. But I can pass on a few tips given to me by a doctor. He suggested only using the bedroom for sleep. Don't watch tv, or exercise in the bedroom. That way your body associates bedroom and sleep. For some people exercise a few hours before bedtime helps them sleep better. For others, a warm bath, or drinking warm milk. HTH

First let the doctor know that it's not working. There are other meds out there for it. For example right now my niece who is bipolar is on trazadone for her sleeping. It's done wonders. I don't have insurance so I have to use OTC meds or just stay up. Something natural to try is chamomile tea. It can be very relaxing. I like mine with honey in it. Also warm milk can make you sleepy as well. If not warm milk then try hot chocolate. Try to stay clear of caffienated drinks a few hours before bedtime. Good luck cause I know how horrible it can be to stay awake like that.

Bipolar disorder is a really touchy thing as far as sleep is concerned. I was diagnosed as bipolar at 22 but I had problems with depression and sleep problems since I was about 14. Mainly I take lithium carbonate which is a basic salt that treats bipolar disorder by restoring the basic chemical reaction in the brain that these people miss. I have a couple other things that work with it but for sleep I usually have a small dose of Ativan (1/2 a tablet) if I need it. Probably right now he is in a manic phase or headed for one if he is not sleeping. If it is only Lunesta he is taking, then he should see the doctor about getting a mood stabilizer like lithium. Remember too that most meds will take some time to really work so you might need to wait a bit before the good results of the Lunesta work. Make sure he is getting enough bodily activity too, a moderate work out or walk to use up enough energy. If you need to talk more about this send me a private message. I have years of experience since I grew up with my dad who exhibited extreme bipolarity since I was 5, and for myself since I was 14.