How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and energy spikes that make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also help them sleep better at night.
The effects of medication
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut down their brains at night which can lead to insomnia and sleeplessness. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for certain people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to attempting any new sleeping medications. For the majority of people, the best course is to practice good sleep hygiene practices and choose the appropriate medication for their needs.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side effect, but it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even if they are not taking stimulant medication. I have observed that around two-thirds of patients in my practice who struggle to sleep take the dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
The most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been shown to increase the duration of deep sleep and reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH for promoting sleep is greater than that of the transdermal distribution system OROS, or OROS, formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties falling asleep in people suffering from ADHD. adhd medication adults uk can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and may cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH has been found to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time spent awake at night, improving slow wave sleep and increasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been demonstrated to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in a few children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, such as trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine, (Remeron) Both have mild sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other types of treatment for ADHD like parent training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy helps youngsters and teens to promote positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also teaches children to relax and take a more actively in their sleeping routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These issues are usually caused by daytime issues. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next day and a decrease in alertness throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep contributes to the development of a sleep disorder known as Narcolepsy. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to experiencing difficulty falling asleep and sleeping, which can affect their daytime performance. In addition, most adults are more restless and in a position to put their bodies and minds to sleep than people who do not have ADHD do. Often, their restless minds can cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex, with both disorders influencing each other in a variety of ways. In many research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping problems. In some cases, these two disorders can overlap and be similar to each other (Cortese, et al. 2006a). In addition, sleep disorders, including apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are related to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people, other reports contradict this assertion. Many factors can influence the effects of medication on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of exposure to drugs and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep problems, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus during the day. Sleep issues can interfere with academic performance and work performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. These disorders can be addressed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can help, especially in terms of increasing the amount of protein consumed, which promotes peaceful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can be helpful. Avoid caffeine since it's a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, which is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate, though it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also has shown promise in helping with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fats have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is another supplement that people suffering from ADHD use however, it is not recommended to take it less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medications. It prevents the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is a lack of evidence to show that other dietary supplements, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms for some people. However, more research is required.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that seeks to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help those who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people to manage their social behavior. These therapies can be offered individually or in groups. Psychoeducation may include family therapy and support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during night, when the house is peaceful and distractions are low. However racing thoughts and issues falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's rest. Additionally, a lack of sleep can impact working memory and make it harder to focus during the daytime.
Researchers have found that stimulants can improve sleep in adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Thus many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to act, but have fewer side-effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, which is an insomnia disorder characterized by a delay of at least two hours between when you typically go to bed and when you fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock and encourage a more peaceful sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors do not endorse it, but it has shown to be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that can teach you or a child how to change certain patterns of thought and behavior. Changing these patterns can improve self-control, attention and working memory.
It is important to talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is different. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved with good sleep hygiene and medications, however you'll need to talk about your specific case.