ADHD and Sleep

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that encompasses symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to function at school, work, and social situations. ADHD is a condition that most people will have into adulthood. However, symptom management with mindfulness can improve the quality of life of those with ADHD.

ADHD is more common in boys, but it can start in childhood. According to Trusted Source National Library of Medicine Biotech Information, between 25 and 50 percent of people living with ADHD experience sleep issues, from insomnia to secondary conditions. Doctors are starting to realize the importance of treating insomnia and the positive effects of healthy sleep on the quality of life for people with ADHD and their families.

What is the connection between ADHD and sleep?

Children with ADHD also experience nightmares. Children with ADHD, particularly those with insomnia, are more likely to have nightmares—sleep disorders in ADHD increase with age. However, sleep problems during early childhood are associated with future ADHD symptoms.

The type of ADHD that you have will affect your sleep problems. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information is a leading provider of biomedical, genomic, and scientific information. Individuals with predominantly inattentive symptoms are likely to have a later bedtime. In contrast, those with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are likelier to suffer from insomnia—those with combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD experience poor sleep quality and a later bedtime.

Sleep deprivation can cause many of the same symptoms as ADHD. Adult ADHD sleep issues can cause forgetfulness and make concentrating difficult during the day. Children may show signs of fatigue through hyperactive, impulsive behaviors. These issues can be hard to distinguish from ADHD or a lack of sleep. It may be difficult to tell if these issues are caused by ADHD or a lack of sleep. Experts recommend that patients be screened for sleep disorders before being prescribed medication for ADHD.

What is the biology behind the ADHD-sleep connection?

Other researchers believe that ADHD-related sleeping problems can be traced to a delayed circadian rhythm with a later onset of span data-source index="9">melatonin production. Some researchers think that ADHD-related problems with sleep can be traced back to a late circadian rhythm accompanied by a delayed onset of melatonin production. Research has not found consistent sleep disorders in people with ADHD, despite the similarities between sleep disorders and ADHD symptoms.

The calming effects of stimulant medication, commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, can make it easier for some people to fall asleep. Unfortunately, stimulant medications may have the opposite effect on some people. Coexisting disorders like substance abuse, anxiety, or depression can cause sleep problems.

What are the effects of sleep problems associated with ADHD on daily life?

There is limited research on ADHD and sleep disorders. However, many children and adults with ADHD and sleep disorders report worse ADHD symptoms and lower quality of life. These people may also suffer from depression and anxiety. They might have hyperactivity, inattention, or difficulty processing information. In addition, chronic sleep loss can lead to serious physical health issues.

Sleepiness during the day can negatively impact schoolwork and performance. Some people may think that someone with ADHD is sleeping at the wrong time. However, this is a common

occurrence and can be difficult to control. In addition, sudden episodes of sleepiness can be dangerous when driving or doing other activities that demand concentration and alertness.

Daytime fatigue can be caused by poor sleep quality. Sleep deprivation can cause people living with ADHD to feel grumpy or irritable. They may also be restless or tired. These symptoms can be confused with a mood disorder. Anxiety and behavioral problems have also been linked to an increased incidence of sleep disorders in children with ADHD.

Families and caregivers who care for people with ADHD are also affected by these problems. For example, researchers have found that caregivers dealing with sleep issues and ADHD tend to be more anxious, depressed and stressed.

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Sleep Disorders Associated with ADHD

Certain sleep disorders are more common in people with ADHD. Sleep disorders can go undiagnosed because ADHD symptoms are often similar to those of sleep disorders. Some children may find it difficult to express their feelings, which can lead to a false diagnosis of ADHD. They may also have ADHD and a sleep disorder.

Insomnia

Even those who do not experience hyperactivity during the day can still have racing thoughts or nighttime energy bursts, which interfere with sleep and lead to insomnia. Nighttime can be a great time to focus on a particular project because there are fewer distractions. However, this can make it hard to fall asleep and lead to an unreliable sleep-wake cycle. Over time, the severity of insomnia can worsen when people associate bedtime with stress.

As a result, many people with ADHD have daytime drowsiness and difficulty waking up. Other people experience restless sleep and multiple nighttime awakenings.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

The evening is when most ADHD sufferers, especially adolescents, become more alert. It can be not easy to keep up with work and school commitments due to this atypical schedule. A smaller pineal gland and irregularities in the body's internal clock may cause circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

DSPS is characterized by a delay in the sleep-wake cycle of two hours or more. DSPS is characterized by a delay in the sleep-wake phase cycle of at least two hours. DSPS may make it difficult to fall asleep, leading to excessive fatigue, confusion, and lack of alertness in the morning. Taking melatonin at specific times or using bright-light therapy can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and reduce the effects of DSPS.

Sleep Disordered Breathing

Up to one-third of ADHD patients suffer from sleep-disordered breath (SDB), which includes snoring, sleep apnea, and snoring. SDB can cause daytime sleepiness and disturbed sleep, which are symptoms of ADHD. SDB treatment may reduce the use of stimulants by children who are suspected of having ADHD. Researchers have found that removing tonsils can help with ADHD symptoms and sleep apnea in children. CPAP is a better option for adults.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), or restless leg syndrome, is characterized by tingling sensations that make sleeping difficult. RLS, or other periodic limb movement disorders, may be present in up to 50% of ADHD patients. The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Trusted Source National Library of MedicineThe National Center for Biotechnology Information provides access to biomedical information and genomics to advance science and health—view Source, which is less vital. RLS may be caused by dopamine and iron deficiencies often associated with ADHD.

Narcolepsy

Narcoleptics tend to sleep suddenly and have trouble sleeping at night. The odds of ADHD symptoms in adults with narcolepsy are twice as high as they were as children. Researchers believe the sleepiness caused by narcolepsy can cause ADHD symptoms. A common cause,

such as a genetic abnormality or neurotransmitter problems, could also cause both disorders. Narcolepsy can be treated with medication.

It is important to diagnose and treat underlying sleep disorders to improve sleep for people living with ADHD. You can ask your doctor to perform a sleep test to eliminate any secondary sleep disorders needed to treat your ADHD. A physician with the appropriate training should monitor any potential sleep disorders regularly. These tend to become more severe over time.

Children and adults with ADHD and sleep problems can benefit from these tips.

Sleep interventions may improve not only ADHD symptoms but also the effects of ADHD medications. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information provides access to biomedical information and genomic data—view Source. Preliminary studies found that behavioral interventions for sleep improve sleep, ADHD symptoms, and daily functioning.

Children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD can benefit from a regular bedtime routine and healthy sleep hygiene. This will help to reinforce the link between sleep and bed. To develop a system for yourself, try making small changes. Then, take note of where you notice improvements. Here are some tips:

Cut off caffeine, sugar, and alcohol within a few hours before bed.
Avoiding screen time for one hour before bed
Avoid doing activities that require intense concentration and hyperfocus in the evening.
Make the bed a stress-free zone for sleeping and sex.
Get enough sunlight and exercise during the day.
Develop a bedtime ritual you enjoy—for example, rereading your favorite book, spending time with pets, or taking a warm shower.
Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. If necessary, use a white noise device to block out unwanted noises.

By going to bed at the same time each day and waking up at the same time, you can achieve the recommended sleep according to your age.
Weighted blankets can be used to help with weight loss.

Many people with ADHD have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. Try using Light Therapy to help you get up. Or plan a pleasant activity for the morning, like exercise or breakfast.

Children and Adults with ADHD recommend using a rewards-based system for managing sleep issues in young children with ADHD. Parents can also reassure their children by regularly checking on them. Talking to a trusted confidant or keeping a worry diary can help people with ADHD of any age make bedtime more relaxing.

People with ADHD may not need sleep medication, but they may benefit from talking to their doctor about adding supplements or changing their medication schedule. For example, some people with ADHD say that taking their ADHD medication an hour after they wake up helps them stay alert throughout the day. In addition, adults and adolescents with sleep issues may benefit from Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).