Current topics in behavioral neurosciencesFeb 6, 2021

Sleep and Daily Rhythm Problems in Bipolar Disorder

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 26, 2026

Abstract

Circadian rhythms, which regulate biological processes like sleep and appetite over a 24-hour cycle, may play a significant role in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD).

Sleep disturbances are common in bipolar affective disorder and may indicate a risk of relapse.
Circadian rhythms are influenced by environmental and social factors.
Treatment for BPAD may affect circadian rhythms.
Understanding circadian rhythms could enhance insights into the underlying mechanisms of BPAD and its treatment.

Simplified

Symptoms of affective disorders encompass a range of changes to biological processes such as sleep and appetite. These processes are regulated over a 24-h cycle known as the circadian rhythm. Sleep is a particularly useful marker of this rhythm as it is readily measurable and functionally significant. Sleep disturbance is common in bipolar affective disorder and may act as a marker, and precipitant, of relapse. Circadian rhythms are modulated by environmental and social cues and have been shown to be influenced by treatment in BPAD. As such understanding of circadian rhythms may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of BPAD and its treatment. This chapter will explore the neurobiology of the circadian clock and the putative role of circadian rhythm dysregulation in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD).

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Sleep and Daily Rhythm Problems in Bipolar Disorder

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