How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people with ADHD due to racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do manage to fall asleep it's usually a struggle and unrefreshing.
Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medications
Many people with ADHD struggle to shut off their brains at night that can cause insomnia and sleeplessness. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for a few people. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medications. For the majority of patients those, the best approach is to adhere to good practices for sleeping hygiene and choose the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for people with ADHD to have trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even if they're not taking stimulant drugs. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also known as ADD or MPH. MPH oral has been proven to decrease the time required for individuals to fall asleep and increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe et al., 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation in promoting sleep.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties falling asleep in people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it hard for some people to go to sleep and could result in less quality sleep.
MPH helps reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. It does this by decreasing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have modest sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often combined with other types of treatment for ADHD including classes and parent training. This type of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches young people to relax and take more actively in their sleep routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from problems with sleep. These issues are typically related to daytime impairments. medication for inattentive adhd of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a decrease in concentration throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep can result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can affect their daytime functioning. Most adults also report feeling more restless at night and in a position to not be able to shut off their bodies and minds more than those who do not have ADHD. Their anxious minds can cause them to awaken at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated and both disorders can affect each other in a variety of ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep disorders, and in some cases both disorders could even overlap and mirror one another (Cortese and co., 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some individuals However, other research contradicts this finding. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a range of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD are frequently plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and difficulties falling asleep. This makes it difficult to rest and sleep, which may affect their ability to focus throughout the day. Sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Some people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can help especially in terms of increasing protein intake, which promotes peaceful sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant and can cause headaches or difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help alleviate sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate. It is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in children and adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin is helpful in reducing drowsiness and sleeping difficulties in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also shows promise for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were found to reduce ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Omega-3s are present in walnuts, fish and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that people suffering from ADHD use however it is not recommended to take it less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other nutritional supplements, such as zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few individuals, however more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychotherapy that teaches teens, children, and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior in social settings. These treatments can be done individually or in a group. Psychoeducation can also involve therapy for families and group support groups which can help families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best during the night, when the house is peaceful and the noise level is low. It isn't easy to get a good sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory making it difficult to focus.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep for children and adults with ADHD however, they come with the risk of misuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore, many doctors prefer nonstimulants, especially long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are able to increase the dopamine levels in your brain. However, they do so through different ways. Nonstimulants can take longer to work, but they generally have less side consequences.
Some professionals also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to treat insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you typically go to bed and when you go to sleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright light throughout the day to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors are not recommending it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD.
medication for inattentive adhd include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a form of therapy for talking which can teach your child or you how to change certain thinking patterns and behavior. The change in these patterns could help to improve self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved by a healthy sleep routine and medications, but you will need to discuss your specific case.