Stabilizing Daily Rhythms in Bipolar Disorder: Lifestyle, Sleep, and Routine Strategies
Description
Stabilizing Daily Rhythms in Bipolar Disorder: Lifestyle, Sleep, and Routine Strategies is focused on evidence-informed behavioral interventions that support mood stability in bipolar disorder. The course highlights the role of lifestyle factors, including consistent daily routines, high-quality sleep, regular exercise, intentional nutrition, and limiting use of mind-altering substances as foundational components of care. It reviews the central role of sleep in mood regulation, including basic sleep biology, assessment of sleep patterns, and non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia such as stimulus control, sleep–wake cycle regularization, and use of sleep diaries, with attention to adaptations for bipolar disorder. The course also introduces the basics of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), outlining its theoretical basis and practical strategies to increase consistency in daily rhythms and address common implementation challenges. Across lessons, the course emphasizes concrete strategies to improve sleep, support behavior change, and enhance long-term mood stability.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the role of sleep as a regulator of social rhythms and mood stability in bipolar disorder and recognize key strategies for establishing consistent sleep-wake patterns.
- Characterize the basics of the Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy approach to managing mood.
- Recognize how sleep, exercise, and consistent daily routines contribute to mood management in bipolar disorder.
Overview of Lessons
The course is organized into three lessons. Each lesson includes an introduction, video instruction, checks for understanding, and additional resources.
Lesson 1: Lifestyle Management—We present how managing lifestyle factors such as consistent routines, quality sleep, exercise, nutrition, and limiting substances supports mood stability in bipolar disorder and may require additional support for sustainable change. (15 minutes)
Lesson 2: Sleep in Bipolar Disorder— We review the central role of sleep in mood regulation, including basic sleep biology, assessment of sleep patterns, and non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia such as stimulus control, sleep–wake cycle regularization, and use of sleep diaries, with attention to adaptations for bipolar disorder. (21 minutes)
Lesson 3: Daily Rhythms–The Importance of Regular Routines in Treating Bipolar Disorder—We discuss Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), reviewing its theoretical foundations and key strategies clinicians can use with patients, along with suggestions for addressing common challenges. (23 minutes)
Presenters
Christopher Schneck, MD, DFAPA
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Marsico Endowed Chair for Excellence; Executive Director/Medical Director, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center; Medical Director, CU Medicine Bipolar Clinic
Aimee Sullivan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Clinical Director, CU STEADY Program; FAMILY Team, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center
Continuing Education Credit Option
(APA APPROVAL Language to be added) Completion of the course = 1 CE credit
To earn 1 CE credit for this course, you must complete all of the video lessons, interactions, and the final assessment in this course. A score of 75% or higher on the final assessment is required to receive CE credit. The assessment may be taken up to four times.
