ADHD and Sleep
Despite popular belief, most ADHD medications do not cause sleep problems. In fact, methylphenidate and the long-acting atomoxetine can actually help you sleep better.
Adults with ADHD can still struggle to fall asleep. They move around and toss and wake up often. Even when they do get to sleep, their minds are still active.
Medicines
Sleep issues are reported by a large number of adults with ADHD. Although adhd medication pregnancy does not typically discuss these issues but they are reported to be common. Patients, parents and clinicians often describe difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up at night, nocturnal activity and sleepiness throughout the day. Objective measures such as polysomnography, ACTIgraphy, and subjective measures such as self-rated questionnaires or diaries have demonstrated statistically higher sleep impairments among people with ADHD than those who are not.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant class medications. These can enhance concentration and focus however, they can also interfere with sleeping in some patients. In fact it is recommended that the main sleep disorder, such as Narcolepsy, be eliminated prior to introducing these drugs (Spruyt and Gozal 2011).
Stimulant-class medications can cause a sudden increase in wakefulness and a decrease in sleep efficiency. The sleep disturbances could be caused by a decrease in the production of melatonin or directly affecting the nervous system. Certain stimulants may also cause paradoxical agitation in some individuals, and a result of a sedative effect.
A controlled study that was randomized to the drug ramelteon, which stimulates the melatonin receptor, and is thought to entrain the circadian rhythms. The study found that insomnia was improved in people with ADHD who received this medication in comparison to placebo. This was a brief preliminary study that had only a small amount of power and very limited controls, but it should be a catalyst for future research that will further explore dosing, timing, typing of the insomnia and daytime blood levels of ramelteon and its counterparts.
Clonidine, mirtazapine and Trazodone are other drugs that have been used to treat insomnia in some people with ADHD. These drugs aren't as extensively studied and a lot of doctors do not recommend them for treating patients with ADHD due to their potential for sedation next day.
If someone with ADHD suffers from insomnia, they should try to practice good sleeping habits. They can also take their ADHD medication at least 45 minutes prior to the time of bed. In my practice this method is generally effective for the majority of people suffering from ADHD and sleep issues. If this doesn't work, an melatonin supplement could be considered.
Diet
The type of food that people consume can have an impact on their mood. A diet that is rich in nutrients and balanced may help to reduce ADHD symptoms, which can include sleep issues. Foods should be low in processed fats and sugars, and rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats including omega-3 fats. Cooking at home is an excellent method to ensure that meals are filled with all the essential ingredients needed to be healthy However, many people with ADHD have trouble planning meals and cooking challenging. In these circumstances, people may rely heavily on take-out or restaurant meals which are high in sodium, artificial ingredients, and sugar.
People with ADHD often have difficulty settling to sleep at late at night. In fact, sleep issues are the most frequent complaints that people with ADHD complain about. These sleep issues can lead to an improvement in the quality of life, and also increased stress, depression, anxiety and, for women over age 40, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Sleep issues can be caused by a variety of factors which include symptoms of ADHD or other causes. It is possible that certain medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD such as methylphenidates, could cause sleep problems in some people. In addition, people with ADHD tend to have smaller pineal glands that can affect how the body regulates its circadian rhythm.
Doctors typically suggest a combination of treatment options to help people with ADHD to sleep better. This can include establishing a regular sleeping routine and optimizing your sleep environment (such by creating an unlit and peaceful bedroom) and limiting time spent on screens prior to going to the bed. It is also crucial for adults to prioritize sufficient sleep, which is usually 7-9 hours per night.
Exercise can help people with ADHD sleep better. A few minutes of gentle stretching or a deep breathing exercise prior to bedtime can relax the body and mind, which will ensure a more peaceful sleep at night.
Exercise
Certain people with ADHD are unable to stick to a routine exercise. A personal trainer will provide structure and motivation, while incorporating an individual's preferred exercise into a fitness routine. Aerobic exercise has both physical and mental benefits. Training for strength and mind-body exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga or breathing exercises could also be added to a daily routine for an holistic approach to managing ADHD symptoms.
Exercise can provide many other advantages for the brain. It can help people lose weight, build muscle mass and increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that improve concentration and self-control. Exercise also boosts the growth of neurons and strengthens connections between them. This is particularly evident in the cerebellum, an area that can contribute to fidgeting among some ADHD individuals. Research has shown that judo-training, for instance, can increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the cerebellum more than just running on treadmills.
Treatments for ADHD can cause adverse effects, such as a decrease in sleep. This is why it's vital to discuss the person's medication with their physician or health care professional, as well as establishing healthy sleeping habits.
Many adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty falling asleep. They might wake frequently, toss and turn, or slip into what some call "the sleep of the dead." Their minds wander between thoughts until they finally stop their day-today activities and fall into a light sleep.
In my practice, at least 80 percent my adult patients with sleep problems show this pattern. These issues aren't a result of ADHD they are a major component of the disorder. It's difficult for adults with ADHD to maintain a precise internal clock, which may be partly responsible for the difficulty in falling asleep. In addition, they have trouble judging the amount of time they've spent in the bed. In fact the process of completing a sleep study typically requires several nights of nightly sleep logs and is difficult for someone suffering from ADHD to accurately complete.
Sleep Environment
Sleeping well is a challenge for all people, but it's particularly difficult for those with ADHD. This is due to the inherent agitation and racing thoughts that are associated with ADD make it difficult to fall asleep and relax. Additionally, many of the treatments used to treat ADHD can trigger sleep-disrupting side effects, such as insomnia. This is why it is important for individuals suffering from ADHD to maintain good sleeping habits, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a calm and peaceful bedroom.
Sleep disorders can also interfere with the ability of people with ADD to get enough restful sleep. Sleep apnea, in which breathing stops frequently during the night and depression, anxiety and menopause-related problems like night sweats are all included. People suffering from ADHD should always have their sleep issues evaluated by a medical professional in order to identify the root of the problem.
Research has proven that those with ADHD have poorer sleep quality than other people and are more likely to report being tired and slow throughout the day. This is partly due to the unpredictable nature of their sleeping, which can be aggravated by their difficulty regulating their internal circadian clock. However, it is possible that the sleep disturbances are due to medications that cause side effects or comorbid disorders.
adhd sleep medication to settle down to sleep and the frequent awakenings in the night are common for people with ADD, particularly those treated with stimulants. In fact, sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency are reported to be significantly higher when taking stimulants as when compared to people who take placebos in some studies.
Some people have found that taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime improves sleep. However it is best to do this under the guidance of a physician, as some sleep disorders can be exacerbated by certain drugs. Other methods to promote sleep, such as progressive muscle relaxation, where you relax and tensen your muscles -- and slow, deep breathing can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It's important not to use your bed for anything other than sex or sleeping.