Sleep and Bipolar Disorder | AMBIENT-BD Research Study

Aug 14, 2025
1 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Information about the AMBIENT-BD research study investigating the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in bipolar disorder.

A woman sleeping on a bed with brain waves above her.

July Meeting: Sleep and Bipolar Disorder

We had a fascinating talk at last week's all-ages group meeting with Drs. Raahat Manrai and Duncan Swiffen about the AMBIENT-BD research project recently started at the University of Edinburgh's Division of Psychiatry. The study looks at how sleep and light affect people living with bipolar. It's no secret that sleep is a significant factor in bipolar episodes and there can be a lot of benefit to understanding how it might be connected.

AMBIENT-BD Research Study

Introduction

AMBIENT-BD proposes an 18-month long study to understand the relationships between sleep, circadian rhythms, and clinical/functional outcomes in people with bipolar.

Tools of Measurement

Ambient and passive measurement.
Daily updates about mood and activities.
Regular face-to-face appointments with the researchers.

Prospective Study

The prospective AMBIENT BD study aims to understand the inter-relationships between sleep, circadian rhythms, light exposure, and different health and functional outcomes over an 18-month period.

Baseline Assessments

The first appointment will be held in-person with the researcher at the Clinical Research Facility, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Prospective Assessments

These outcomes have been co-produced with people with lived experience of bipolar. Subsequent assessments will be held using Somnofy, Axivity and mobile based EMA prompts.