How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges that make it difficult to sleep. When they do fall asleep, it is often restless and not reviving.
Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medicines
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among people with ADHD. 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 attempting any new sleeping medications. For the majority of patients those, the best approach is to follow good hygiene guidelines for sleep and take the appropriate medication for their needs.
Insomnia isn't listed as a common side effect in most studies on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep or waking up throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they aren't taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
The most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to decrease the time taken for people to fall asleep and increase the duration of their deep sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH in promoting sleep is greater than that of the transdermal distribution system, or OROS, formulation.
Certain people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations that are associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to fall asleep and may lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. It does this by reducing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional defiant syndrome in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nerve system depressant often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can be utilized to help sufferers of ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts up to four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often combined with other forms of treatment for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to use positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and take on a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. medication for adhd and anxiety are usually related to daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next day and a decrease in alertness throughout the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also cause the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their functioning throughout the daytime. In addition, most adults report that they are more agitated and unable to close their minds and bodies down at night than other people without ADHD do. Sometimes, their agitated minds cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated and both disorders impact one another in different ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances both disorders could even be similar to each other (Cortese and co., 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While a variety of studies suggest ADHD medications can affect sleep in some people However, other research contradicts this conclusion. Various factors can affect the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of drug exposure and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and trouble falling to sleep. This makes it difficult to sleep soundly which may affect their ability to focus during the day. Sleep issues can interfere with school and work performance. Many people with ADHD also have sleep issues such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially in terms of increasing the amount of protein consumed that promotes restful sleep. A relaxing routine at bedtime is also beneficial. It is essential to avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. Several studies have shown that melatonin is helpful in reducing insomnia and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate, though it doesn't appear to help reduce the core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also has shown promise in helping with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were found to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are some excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people with ADHD but not less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence that suggests that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standard pine bark extract, has been shown to decrease ADHD symptoms in some people. However, more research is required.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychotherapy that teaches adolescents, children and adults on ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural treatment, which helps people to manage their behavior in social situations. These therapies can be carried out either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation can include family therapy and support groups to help families cope with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they are asleep, especially in a quiet home. It isn't easy to get a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory making it difficult to concentrate.
Researchers have found that stimulants can improve sleep in adults and children with ADHD. However they can also trigger problems with rebound and abuse. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the levels of dopamine in your brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to take effect but they usually have less adverse negative effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who have sleep problems. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It may be particularly helpful for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that is characterized by a delay of at least two hours between the time you normally go to bed and the time you go to sleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day in order to synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleep at night. It is not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for those with ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation and cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, which is a type of talk therapy which can teach your child or you how to modify certain thinking patterns and behaviors. Changes in these patterns can help decrease problems with 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 tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Every situation is unique. Sleep hygiene practices that are effective and medications can help with ADHD and sleep disorders, but you'll need to discuss the particulars of your situation.