The Nature of and Behavioral Treatment of Sleep Problems in Youth with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar spectrum disorders (BP) occur in up to 1% of youth and are associated with significant impairment. Individuals with BP are often characterized by a decreased need for sleep or dysregulated sleep-wake schedules. For children, such sleep problems often relate to impairment in school and social functioning. Thus, sleep is an especially important target of intervention for youth with BP because of children’s sensitivity to lack of sleep and dysregulated sleep routines. The present paper describes sleeprelated issues in individuals with BP while also discussing potential behavioral interventions to improve sleep in youth with BP. Two case examples are presented to illustrate potential interventions.