Sleep and bipolar disorder: Lived and clinical perspectives
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding sleep and its treatment in bipolar disorder: A qualitative study of lived and clinical perspectives
IRAS ID
366027
Contact name
Lydia Pearson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 27 days
Research summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a long-term mental health condition that causes significant shifts and fluctuations in mood. It is linked with major challenges, including difficulties in daily functioning, high unemployment, and an increased risk of suicide. One of the most common difficulties experienced by people with BD is sleep disruption. Problems such as trouble falling asleep, sleeping too much, feeling a reduced need to sleep, and irregular sleep patterns can occur throughout different mood states. These sleep difficulties not only impact wellbeing but can also act as early warning signs for mood shift change, trigger mood episodes, and worsen quality of life.
There is growing evidence that therapies focused on sleep, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, can help improve sleep and support mood stability for people with BD. However, sleep problems are still often overlooked or left untreated in routine care. Because of this, improving support for sleep has been identified as a key national priority by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Bipolar UK.
This study aims to explore how sleep problems are experienced and understood by both people with lived experience of BD and the healthcare professionals who support them. By hearing directly from both groups, the study hopes to identify what helps, what gets in the way, and what could make sleep-focused treatments more accessible and effective.
Up to 16 participants will take part in one-to-one interviews. People with BD will also complete a short clinical interview beforehand to confirm eligibility. The study will explore experiences of sleep across different mood states, views on available support, and what would be helpful or unhelpful for receiving or delivering sleep interventions. The findings will be used to inform future services and contribute to national efforts to improve BD care and early intervention across the UK.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0046
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion