> What I wonder is if those sleep-deprived individuals are experiencing a semi-manic state.
Yes, of course–in a certain way. It's not even much of a secret. While mania is itself a serious condition and should be avoided, it is fundamentally the same dimension as depression, only opposite. That's why you cannot be manic and depressed at the same time (Manic Depression, or Bipolar Disorder, is alternating between these states).
So it is really that simple: Depression + "semi-mania" = something approaching normalcy, for a limited time, with some cognitive impairment and just a bit too much nervousness.
I'm not sure there is much evidence that mania is in "the same dimension as depression, only opposite." And, in fact, mixed episodes can occur in those with bipolar disorder.
Yes, of course–in a certain way. It's not even much of a secret. While mania is itself a serious condition and should be avoided, it is fundamentally the same dimension as depression, only opposite. That's why you cannot be manic and depressed at the same time (Manic Depression, or Bipolar Disorder, is alternating between these states).
So it is really that simple: Depression + "semi-mania" = something approaching normalcy, for a limited time, with some cognitive impairment and just a bit too much nervousness.