Is this normal? Not sleeping?

[Anonymous]

I'm 18 and doing my senior year through online school.

Starting several months ago I will just have some nights where I am not tired at all. Let's say I'll wake up at 10am on a Monday and then I won't go to bed until 12am Wednesday (pretty much Tuesday night but technically Wednesday. )
when I do go to sleep it is anywhere between 6-12 hours! Like for a couple weeks I got up at 7am every morning naturally and fell asleep around midnight. Next two weeks I'm going to bed at 2am and sleeping to 2pm. And at least twice a month I have that one 30-40 hour period of no sleep and I feel good, energetic and happy. Next week I just wanna lay in bed and not do anything and I'll sleep the entire day.

My mom has been trying to tell me I'm bipolar and a doctor thinks so as well but I've been on meds before for depression and I hate it. I just want to sort it out as naturally as possible (yes I know that sounds pretty ignorant)

Last night I had several beers starting at 11pm now it's 7:30am and I still haven't slept and my friends are worried.
(No I don't drink often at all)

[Kythe]

Sleep can be pretty messed up during teenaged years. It doesn't help if you're anxious about things (e. g. future, friendships). It can also be disturbed by lots of caffeine or alcohol consumption, especially late in the evening, or even heavy exercise in the evening.

Normally sleep requirements are on the order of 7-9 hours per night.

[Kythe]

By the way - bipolar disorder has a number of symptoms. I wouldn't assume you're bipolar because of sleep difficulties alone - though, if you have been diagnosed as bipolar, I suppose either that or the medication could be impacting your sleep.

[Asker]

I am very sensitive to caffeine and don't consume it. No sodas at all.
I very rarely drink.
I do have anxiety but it isn't what keeps me up. I just won't be tired or sleepy at all.

[Asker]

My mood shifts but I don't feel like it is bipolar disorder.

[Kythe]

It's been a while since I took Abnormal Psychology. But as I recall, disturbed sleep patterns *can* be a symptom of bipolar disorder. However, it's not the only cause. The manic phase in bipolar disorder can be the cause. My recommendation would be, indeed, to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, and explain to him or her your fears regarding medication. There may be other options open.

[Kythe]

Sorry, messed that up somewhat. What I meant to say was that the manic phase in bipolar disorder could be the cause of disturbed sleep patterns. However, there are a number of possible reasons for disturbed sleeping patterns. If you're concerned by it, a doctor could probably provide greater help.

[Kythe]

Are you on antidepressants now? Those can also impact sleep patterns.

By the way: wanting to avoid medication *isn't* ignorant. I'm all for it where possible, and I do get that powerful medications for various psychiatric conditions can have a pretty big impact on how you feel.

Still, some conditions can be pretty debilitating, and it's worthwhile to talk to a psychiatrist (no shame in that!) who has expertise in this sort of thing, explain your fears, get an accurate diagnosis (if one is needed), and discuss options.

[Asker]

I took myself off my antidepressant about a month ago. And just had my first apointment with a new psychiatrist about a week ago.
I'm tracking my moods sleep and appetite but I was just curious if this was a somewhat normal phenomenon

[Kythe]

Well, like I said, sleep as a teenager can be a little messed up to begin with. Two days without sleep AND without feeling tired is a little unusual, but I think there are probably a number of reasons why it might be happening.

When I was a teenager, I preferred to do most of my thinking at night, which meant I tended to shift my sleeping later and later -- I probably would have gotten it completely switched around (sleep during day, stay up all night) if my parents hadn't stopped me from doing it.

[Asker]

Ah yes I do tend to gravitate towards nocturnal sleeping patterns as well even though I love sunshine. I'll just keep tracking my sleep and see what the doc says and hopefully find a non-chemical solution :)
thanks!

[dakraziest]

i think u r stressed out or depressed
it happens with me too, the easiest things is to stop doing whatever you are and go out for a walk or if you have some place where water flows like a river, ocean or maybe a lake
and make some friends, people who are new to you can always lower the stress levels

[Asker]

Thanks!

[NovemberJoseph]

Insomnia. I have it too. Just can't sleep. Not tired.