Which of the following is a common trigger for a manic episode?

A common trigger for manic episodes includes various factors that can disrupt a person's mental and emotional stability. Lack of sleep is particularly influential, as sleep disturbances can significantly impact mood and behavior, leading to heightened irritability and energy levels often associated with mania.

Change in medication can also play a crucial role; for individuals with bipolar disorder, adjustments to medication—whether a dose increase, decrease, or change in type—can lead to destabilization of mood, potentially triggering manic symptoms.

Stressful life events, such as loss, relationship issues, or significant changes, are known to provoke emotional upheaval and can lead to manic episodes as well. All these elements are interconnected; when a person experiences a combination of lack of sleep, medication changes, and stress, the risk of a manic episode increases significantly.

Thus, the correct answer encompasses the complexity of interactions between these triggers, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of what can precipitate a manic episode.