Nei Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Holly Swartz about the critical role of sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder, including how sleep disturbance can function as both a symptom and trigger of mood episodes. They discuss how clinicians can better assess sleep to identify early warning signs of relapse, along with practical strategies for intervention, including applying principles of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), choosing between behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for insomnia, and avoiding sleep medications that may destabilize mood. The episode offers a clinically focused approach to improving relapse prevention through better sleep management.   Holly A. Swartz, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, Director of the Center for Advanced Psychotherapy, and Medical Director of the Depression and Manic Depression Prevention Program. An internationally recognized expert in bipolar disorder treatment, she is President of the International