How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD have racing thoughts and energy spikes that make it hard to fall asleep. When they do fall asleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing.
What many people don't know is that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medications
Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut off their brains at night which can lead to insomnia and sleeplessness. For some, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medications. Most people will find that the best method to manage their sleep is to use the right medication and follow good habits of sleep hygiene.
Insomnia is not listed as a typical adverse effect in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep or staying awake all night. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even when they're not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH was shown to prolong the time spent in 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 hard for some people to go to sleep and could result in a lower quality of sleep.
MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time awake at night, improving slow wave sleep and increasing the amount of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from co-occurring disorders like sleep apnea that is obstructive or oppositional defiant disorder. anxiety in some children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine is a central depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts for four hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, such as trazodone, (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated 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 helps young people to relax and take more actively in their sleep routine.
adhd no medication of studies indicate that the majority of children with ADHD suffer from sleep issues that are frequently caused by daytime issues. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next day and a lack of concentration throughout the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also result in Narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their ability to function throughout the daytime. Additionally, many adults report that they feel more restless and unable to close their minds and bodies down at night like people without ADHD do. Their anxious minds can wake them up at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders affect each one in different ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep issues and, in some instances the two disorders might even overlap and mirror one another (Cortese et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While a variety of studies suggest ADHD medications can impair sleep in some individuals, other reports contradict this finding. Various factors can affect medication effects on sleep, including the age of the patient when starting pharmacotherapy, duration of drug exposure, and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to achieve a restful sleep, which impacts their ability to concentrate during the day. These sleep issues can also hinder school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These disorders can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake because it helps you sleep more soundly. A peaceful bedtime routine could also be helpful. Avoid caffeine since it's a stimulant and can cause headaches or difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help alleviate sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate, which is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in children and adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin is helpful in reducing drowsiness and sleeping difficulties in people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also shows promise for helping sleepers who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve ADHD symptoms in some studies, but more research is required. Omega-3s are found in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is also used by some people suffering from ADHD but not less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that supplements to diet, like iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms for a few people. However, more research is required.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that is designed to educate children, teens and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help people who suffer from ADHD increase their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people learn to control their social behavior. These treatments can be given in groups or individually. Psychoeducation may include family therapy and support groups to help families deal with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is peaceful and distractions are low. It can be difficult to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can affect working memory and make it harder to concentrate throughout the daytime.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants may improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause problems with rebound and abuse. A lot of doctors prefer non-stimulants, like 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 accomplish this through different ways. Nonstimulants may take longer to take effect, but they generally have less side effects.
Some professionals also recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to treat insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It is particularly helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of 2 hours or more between your normal bedtime and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It is not yet widely accessible or recommended by doctors, however it has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy which can teach a child or you how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be altered to reduce problems with self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan will be most effective. Good sleep hygiene practices and medications can help with ADHD and sleep disorders But you'll have to discuss the specifics of your situation.