Hi Ellie,
I am glad, so glad, to hear that you are out of the dark, out of the agonizing pain. Reading your post, I would most definitely say that you are now hypomanic. Not sure (can't remember) exactly what meds you're on...what was added recently. Your pdoc would definitely want to make an adjustment, I know mine would. That's why he won't put me on ad's, b/c they would cause me to cycle, and be in that high hmanic state. In a way that frustrates me b/c I would rather feel good than bad, but in reality he's right, and I know better.
In the BP support group I was in, they drilled it in our heads that it was always important to recognize what state you're in, and how to tell. The less sleep thing...When you're hmanic you not only don't sleep as much, but you don't need as much sleep. The hmania just keeps this insane energy flowing through you and it just keeps you going. Personally, I welcome this state for the first two days or so after a depression, but longer than that and I become extremely exhausted. My anxiety sometimes seems to be so much worse in this state as well, b/c I feel so hyper, it's so fast compared to the depression.
In the support group the occupational therapists would always caution us in this state...to pay attention, if we were getting "too high" it was time to think of ways to bring our mood down a little bit, so we didn't feel so uncomfortable (even if it seems comfortable). Things like relaxation, slow activities, just to calm down a bit.
So while I loathe the depression, the hmania I also do not enjoy if it lasts too long. The first few days of it though, I feel relief (from the depression) and I get so much done around the house, it's great!
Anyway, try to relax a bit before you do go to bed so that you are a bit more calm. And watch yourself through the day as well. Even though the mood you're in now, you don't feel like you need the rest, you do.
Again, so glad to know you're better, just take it slow 