Actually, you are right. The two are very similiar and are often treated with similar drugs. There are studies showing that they are genetically related (the two tend to cluster in families), and the same part of the brain (basal ganglia) is affected in both of them. They often are mistaken for each other because of the grandious beliefs of the manic phase.
Stan Shmenge There is an overlap between the symptoms of Bipolar II, cyclothymia, and impulsive and borderline personality traits.
From what you have written it does not sound like you have Bipolar I- you have described none of the psychotic features of a true manic episode, but you may fall somewhere in the cyclothymic or Bipolar II spectrum. Bipolar II is when the highs don’t meet the criteria for full mania, and are described as “hypomanic”.
For example- you describe not sleeping and feeling full of energy. You don’t describe having transient beliefs in your own super powers, uncharacteristic promiscuity, your thoughts racing too fast too keep up or impulsive overspending during your highs.
You need a proper psychiatric evaluation to determine what is going on.
There are lots of treatments, and when they work, they can work very well.
There is no one size fits all regime, and it often takes time to iron out the issues.
Psychiatrists in my area are using Quetiapine (Seroquel/Ketipinor) for BPAD quite a bit, with fairly good results.