Interplay of Environmental Factors, Genetic Susceptibility, and Sleep Disturbances predict Bipolar Disorder’s Relapses: preliminary results from a pilot study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores how environmental factors, sleep disturbances, and genetic susceptibility may predict relapses in bipolar disorder.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to understanding BD relapses by integrating environmental exposure and sleep tracking in a longitudinal pilot design.

Findings

Environmental stressors like pollution and noise may worsen BD outcomes.

Sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm disruptions are linked to BD relapses.

Longitudinal tracking of environmental and sleep data could predict mood fluctuations.

Abstract

Predicting acute affective episodes in individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) remains a clinical challenge. Specific environmental stressors, including air pollution, noise, and temperature variations might worsen affective symptoms or sleep in the general population, but their role in BD relapses is often overlooked. Indeed, they might exacerbate BD by perturbing circadian rhythms – fundamental aspects of BD.

We thereby present the protocol of this pilot study and future preliminary data. We aim to longitudinally assess sleep alterations, mood fluctuations, and environmental exposure to several factors (air pollutants, climate, noise, artificial light-at-night, green space access) in patients with BD and to check the association of these variables with BD relapses.

In this pilot study, we will recruit 40 patients with BD in a 6-month prospective study. Patients were assessed during baseline, at 3 and 6 months. Data recollected will consist of a subjective (questionnaires) and objective (through meteorological stations) evaluation of physical environmental factors around the home residence; clinical assessment of mood and circadian rhythms, and continuous tracking of sleep-wake patterns, energy, and movement using actigraphy.

Expected results will show that exposure to a worse environment (higher pollution, noise, light exposure, climate) will be associated with worse BD outcomes (i.e., relapse, mood symptoms, sleep alterations).

We will be sharing preliminary data from our ongoing study, offering insights into early patterns and findings that shed light on our objectives.

None Declared