How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy spurts that make it hard to sleep. If they do fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing.
Most people aren't aware that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medications
Restless sleep and insomnia are common among adults with ADHD. For some, stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to trying any new sleep medications. For most the time, the best option is to practice good hygiene guidelines for sleep and choose the appropriate medication for their needs.
Sleepiness is not mentioned as a typical condition in the majority of research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep or staying awake all night. In fact, many people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even if they're not taking stimulant medication. I find that about two-thirds of the patients who have trouble sleeping take an dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to help them fall asleep.
MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to decrease the time taken for individuals to fall asleep and increase their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe and co., 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulations for promoting sleep.
RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulty falling asleep in some people with ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep and could result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH has been found to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time spent awake at night, increasing slow wave sleep, and increasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances resulting from other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea with obstruction, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al., 2008).
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can be used to help those suffering from ADHD fall asleep by producing a sedative that lasts for up to four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have mild effects of sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses primarily on teaching teens and children new skills to promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This type of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters how to relax and take a more active part in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep problems. These problems are often caused by daytime issues. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also lead to narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also prone to having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their ability to function during the day. A majority of adults complain of feeling more agitated at night and being in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies more than those who do not have ADHD. Their anxious minds can make them wake at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders influence each other in various ways. In many research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping issues. In some instances both disorders may overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). In addition, sleep disorders, including apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people, other reports contradict this assertion. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy and the length of time exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems like insomnia and trouble getting to sleep. This can make it difficult for them to sleep soundly which can hinder their ability to focus throughout the daytime. These sleep issues can affect work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These conditions can be treated by taking medication and making lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can be helpful, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake since it promotes restful sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease issues caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant that is used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin is helpful in reducing sleep problems and drowsiness for people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't seem to reduce the core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in assisting with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Omega-3s are found in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that a few people with ADHD use however, it should not be taken less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from absorbing into the bloodstream.
There is a lack of evidence to show that other supplements in the diet like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few individuals, however more research is required.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychotherapy that teaches children, teenagers and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people control their social behavior. The treatments can be provided in groups or individually. Psychoeducation can involve group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families deal with stress brought on by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, particularly in a quiet home. However, racing thoughts and difficulties getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. Poor sleep can also affect your working memory making it difficult to focus.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for some children and adults with ADHD however, they also carry the danger of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants 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 do so by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants may take longer to take effect, but they generally have less side consequences.
uk adhd medication recommend melatonin or light therapy for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that helps control the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It is particularly helpful for people suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day in order to help synchronize the internal clock and promote better sleeping at night. It's not yet widely accessible or recommended by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for individuals who suffer from ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a kind of therapy for talking that can teach your child or yourself how to modify certain thinking patterns and behaviors. Changing these patterns can decrease problems with self-control, attention, and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan will be most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved through good sleep hygiene and medications, but you'll need to talk about your particular situation.