How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and energy surges at night. If they do get to sleep it's usually tense and unrefreshing.
Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
The effects of medication
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults suffering from ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for some people. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor before trying any new sleep medication. For the majority of patients the time, the best option is to practice good hygiene guidelines for sleep and choose the appropriate medication to meet their needs.
The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for those with ADHD to experience trouble falling asleep and waking throughout the night. In reality, many people with ADHD have trouble sleeping even when not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
The most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH was shown to increase the duration of deep sleep and to reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for improving sleep.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to go to sleep and can lead to less quality sleep.
MPH helps reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is accomplished by decreasing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances due to comorbid disorders such as sleep apnea that is obstructive and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al., 2008).
Clonidine is a central nerve system depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, is utilized to help sufferers of ADHD fall asleep by causing sedation that lasts up to four hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, like trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have moderate effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep in people with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and teens new skills that can lead to better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This type of therapy teaches children and adolescents to employ positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches young people to relax and take more active part in their routines of sleep.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleeping that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it harder for them to get up in the morning. They also lack sustained vigilance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep can result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration and vigilance. It also affects academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning during the daytime. A majority of adults feel more agitated at night and in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies than people without ADHD. Their anxious minds can make them wake at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex and both disorders can affect each other in multiple ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and in certain instances both disorders could even be similar to one another (Cortese et al. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some people, other reports contradict this finding. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting the treatment and the time of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD typically suffer from a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring, or obstructive sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, particularly when it is about increasing your protein intake because it helps you sleep more soundly. A relaxing bedtime routine is also helpful. It is important to stay away from caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and trouble sleeping.
adhd medication ritalin may help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in both children as well as adults. A number of studies have proven that the melatonin helps with sleep problems and drowsiness in people who take methylphenidate, though it doesn't appear to help reduce core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish and salmon. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people suffering from ADHD but not less than one hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There is a lack of evidence to show that other supplements in the diet, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been proven to improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, however, more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychotherapy that teaches children, teenagers and adults about ADHD and its consequences, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more confident and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural therapy, which helps people manage their behavior in social situations. These therapies can be carried out either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may include group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families deal with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, particularly if the house is quiet. It can be difficult to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can impact working memory and make it harder to concentrate during the daytime.
Researchers have found that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Thus, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. However, they do so by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect, but have fewer side-effects.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that helps regulate the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes a delay of 2 hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposure to bright daylight throughout the day in order to synchronize its internal clock and promote better sleep at night. It isn't yet widely available or endorsed by doctors, however it has been proven to be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy which can teach a child or you how to change certain patterns of thought and behavior. The change in these patterns could help to improve self-control, attention, and working memory.
It is crucial to talk to your healthcare professional regarding what the most effective treatment strategy is for you or your children. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan will be most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated with good sleep hygiene and medications, but you'll need to talk about your specific situation.