How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is difficult for many people suffering from ADHD due to their racing thoughts and a surge of energy at night. If they do manage to sleep it's usually a struggle and not reviving.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medications they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medicines
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults suffering from ADHD. For some, stimulant medication used to treat their ADHD can cause problems with sleep. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss these issues with their physician prior to attempting any new sleeping medication. For the majority of patients those, the best approach is to adhere to good sleep hygiene practices and take the appropriate medication for their needs.
types of adhd medication 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 have trouble falling asleep or waking up throughout the night. Many people suffering from ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even though 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 before the time they go to bed.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH was shown to extend the length of sleep and to reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation for encouraging sleep.
Some individuals who suffer from ADHD have trouble falling asleep due to the tingling sensations that are associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to sleep and may lead to less quality sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the time spent awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from co-occurring disorders like sleep apnea with obstruction, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine, a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD fall asleep by creating a state of sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with training for parents and classroom intervention. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and teens to reinforce positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also teaches youngsters how to relax and play a more active part in their sleep routine.
A variety of studies show that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues that are often associated with daytime impairments. Many of these kids suffer from chronically poor sleeping that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it more difficult for them to get up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Inadequate duration of sleep also contributes to the development of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also susceptible to having difficulty falling and sleeping, which can have a significant impact on their daytime functioning. In addition, the majority of adults are more restless and in a position to put their bodies and minds to sleep than people with ADHD do. Their anxious minds can make them wake during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders affect each other in a variety of ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep disorders and in certain instances the two disorders might even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and co., 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can affect sleep, other studies contradict this finding. Many factors can influence medication effects on sleep, such as the age of the patient before starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of drug exposure and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This can make it difficult for them to sleep soundly which can hinder their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep issues can also interfere with academic performance and work performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, since it promotes restful sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be helpful. It is important to stay away from caffeine as it is a stimulant and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Melatonin can help alleviate sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate, a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been found to alleviate drowsiness and sleep problems in people who take methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in assisting with sleeping in people 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 such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are all good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that people suffering from ADHD use however it should not be taken less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence that suggests that other nutritional supplements, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been proven to improve ADHD symptoms in certain individuals, however more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychological treatment that educates adolescents, children and adults on ADHD and its effects, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also incorporate behavioural therapy, which helps people manage their behavior when they are in social situations. The treatments can be performed either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can include family therapy and support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most productive when they sleep, especially in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. A lack of sleep can affect your working memory, making it difficult to concentrate.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Thus many doctors prefer non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the dopamine levels in your brain. They do this through different ways. Nonstimulants take longer to act, but have fewer side-effects.
Some doctors also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, which is a sleep disorder that is characterized by the presence of a delay of at most two hours between when you normally go to bed and the time you go to sleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances that involves exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock to promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It's not widely available and doctors are not recommending it, but it has proved to be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to modify certain thought patterns and behaviors. The change in these patterns could help to 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. Every situation is unique. Good sleep hygiene practices and medications can help with ADHD and sleep disorders But you'll have to discuss the particulars of your situation.