How Do Sleep Disturbances Differ Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder?

PostedAugust 29, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD and bipolar sleep disturbances might exhibit in the same way, but the patterns and underlying causes differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as sleep symptoms can provide valuable insight into the nature of each condition.

ADHD Bipolar Sleep Disturbances: Key Differences

In ADHD, sleep disturbances are often related to difficulty winding down. Children and adults with ADHD may experience restlessness at bedtime, trouble falling asleep, or waking up frequently during the night. These issues are typically linked to impulsivity and hyperactivity, making it difficult for the brain to settle into a restful state.

In contrast, bipolar disorder leads to more extreme fluctuations in sleep. During manic episodes, individuals may experience reduced sleep needs, feeling energetic and alert despite sleeping very little. This can result in extended periods of wakefulness, often accompanied by racing thoughts and increased energy. These sleep symptoms in bipolar disorder are episodic and linked directly to mood cycles.

Behavioural Signs of Sleep Disturbances

Following behavioural signs are associated with sleep patterns in ADHD and Bipolar disorder

ADHD Sleep Symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or restless sleep patterns due to hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Bipolar Sleep Symptoms: During mania, decreased sleep with high energy; during depression, excessive sleep and fatigue.

In short, ADHD and bipolar sleep disturbances differ primarily in the consistency and nature of sleep issues. ADHD typically involves restless sleep patterns, while bipolar disorder features episodic extremes in sleep, linked to mood changes.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.