Disrupted circadian rhythms, sleep and bipolar disorder
I recently posted on my blog (Circadian rhythm disruption and manic depression link in children) about a study that was released in the journal BMC Psychiatry, which linked a specific gene that is responsible for disrupted circadian rhythms and bipolar disorder in kids. The gene is called RORB.
The diagnosis of bipolar in kids is highly controversial, and I've seen some controversy whether or not disrupted circadian rhythms should be considered a sleep problem. I'm still learning so much here, and am wondering the thoughts of other sleep leaders and those "in the know".
Is a circadian rhythm disorder a sleep disorder if it affects sleep patterns?
Do you think bipolar disorder is being over-diagnosed today?
In my blog post I gave an example of one way I've personally used lights to manipulate body functions, and another that a friend uses. Can you think of ways that we use light and light therapy to manipulate the human body (and psyche)? Are there other pertinent, studies out there that I'm missing?
Have you ever used lights to try to manipulate your own circadian rhythm? Did you do it to try to help an existing health problem? If so, which ones?
The diagnosis of bipolar in kids is highly controversial, and I've seen some controversy whether or not disrupted circadian rhythms should be considered a sleep problem. I'm still learning so much here, and am wondering the thoughts of other sleep leaders and those "in the know".
Is a circadian rhythm disorder a sleep disorder if it affects sleep patterns?
Do you think bipolar disorder is being over-diagnosed today?
In my blog post I gave an example of one way I've personally used lights to manipulate body functions, and another that a friend uses. Can you think of ways that we use light and light therapy to manipulate the human body (and psyche)? Are there other pertinent, studies out there that I'm missing?
Have you ever used lights to try to manipulate your own circadian rhythm? Did you do it to try to help an existing health problem? If so, which ones?
Tags: bipolar, circadian rhythm, internal clock, light, manic depression, rorb
© 2009 Created by Marie
