How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spikes that make it difficult to fall asleep. When they do fall asleep it's usually tense and not reviving.
What many people don't know is that the same stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults suffering from ADHD. For some, stimulant medication used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to taking any new sleep medications. For most, the best course is to practice good hygiene guidelines for sleep and use the right medication for their specific needs.
Insomnia is not listed as a frequent condition in the majority of research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking all night. In fact, many with ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been shown to increase the time spent in deep sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). add adhd medications of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulty falling asleep in some people with ADHD. RLS can cause difficulty 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-related 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 shown to reduce sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional defiant syndrome in a few children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nerve system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help those suffering from ADHD to fall asleep, causing sedation that lasts up to four hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants like trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have mild effects of sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to use positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also helps young people to relax and play a more actively in their sleeping routine.
medication for adhd of studies indicate that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently related to daytime impairments. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next morning and a decrease in concentration throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep can lead to Narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to having trouble falling and staying asleep, which could have a significant impact on their daytime performance. In addition, the majority of adults say they are more agitated and unable to close their minds and bodies down at night than other people who do not have ADHD do. Sometimes, their agitated minds make them wake up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders affect each the other in a variety of ways. In a variety of research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep problems. In some cases, these two disorders can overlap and mimic one another (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, like apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are connected to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest ADHD medication may affect sleep, others contradict this finding. Different factors can affect the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient before beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of exposure to the drug and the dosage of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems like insomnia and difficulties getting to sleep. This makes it hard to get a restful sleep which can hinder their ability to concentrate during the day. Sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These disorders can be treated by medication and lifestyle modifications.
Diet and exercise can be helpful, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help alleviate sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Melatonin has been shown to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also shows promise for helping sleepers who do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fats have been proven to improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, however more research is needed. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are all excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that a few people with ADHD utilize however it is not recommended to take it less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed in the 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 proven to decrease ADHD symptoms for a few people. However further research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychological treatment that teaches teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also incorporate behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior in social situations. These treatments can be given individually or in groups. Psychoeducation can also involve therapy for families and group support groups which can help families cope with the strain of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, especially if the house is quiet. It isn't easy to fall asleep. 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 throughout the daytime.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Therefore many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the dopamine levels in your brain. However, they accomplish this through different ways. Nonstimulants can take longer to work however, they typically have less adverse effects.
Some doctors also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day in order to help synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors do not endorse it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that can teach a child or you how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. Changes in these patterns can help decrease problems with control of attention, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan is for you or your children. Each situation is unique, and a personalized plan is the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you will need to discuss your specific situation.