How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is difficult for many people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and a surge of energy at night. When they do sleep it's often a struggle to sleep and unrefreshing.
What many people don't know is that the same stimulant medication they take for their ADHD symptoms during the day may also help them sleep better at night.
The effects of medication
Many people with ADHD struggle to shut off their minds at night, leading to insomnia and sleeplessness. For some, stimulant medications used to treat their ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. The medical community recommends that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleeping medication. For the majority of patients, the best course is to follow good sleep hygiene practices and take the appropriate medication to meet their needs.
Insomnia is not listed as a typical side effect in most scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking throughout the night. Many people with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even though they aren't taking stimulant drugs. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
adhd no medication or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to prolong the duration of deep sleep and to reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation in encouraging sleep.
Some individuals with ADHD struggle to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations that are associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep, and can result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007).
MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake, increasing slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to decrease sleep disturbances caused by co-occurring disorders like sleep apnea with obstruction and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. (2008); Hvolby et al. (2008)).
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can be used to help those suffering from ADHD to fall asleep, producing a sedative that lasts for four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This kind of therapy teaches kids and teens to reinforce positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also helps young people to relax and take more actively in their sleeping routine.
Numerous studies have shown that the majority of children with ADHD suffer from sleep issues, which are frequently caused by daytime issues. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which contributes to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next day and a decrease in alertness throughout the day. A lack of sleep contributes to the development of a sleep disorder dubbed Narcolepsy, which is connected to a decreased vigilance, concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their ability to function during the daytime. In addition, most 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. Often, their restless minds cause them to wake up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders impact each one in different ways. In many research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep problems. In some instances, these two disorders can overlap and be akin to each other (Cortese and co. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS) have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication may affect sleep, other studies contradict this assertion. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of beginning pharmacotherapy and the length of time exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get a restful night's sleep, which impacts their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep issues can affect work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid like obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These are treatable by taking medication and making lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise and diet can be helpful, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake because it helps you sleep more soundly. A restful bedtime routine is also helpful. Avoid caffeine as it's a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been shown to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep even if they don't take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were proven to reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some individuals suffering from ADHD however, not less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the meds from getting into the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence that other dietary supplements like iron and zinc, help reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms in certain people, but more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychological treatment that educates children, teenagers, and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those who suffer from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural therapy, which aids people learn to manage their behavior when they are in social situations. The treatments can be provided either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may also include family therapy and group support groups which can help families cope with the strain of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most at their best when they are asleep, especially if the house is quiet. However racing thoughts and difficulty getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can affect memory and make it harder to concentrate during the day.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep in adults and children with ADHD. However they can also cause problems with rebound and abuse. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medications like methylphenidate, (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the dopamine levels in your brain. However, they accomplish this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to take effect, but they generally have fewer side consequences.
Some experts also suggest taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It is particularly helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is an alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright daylight throughout the day to help synchronize the internal clock and promote better sleep at night. It's not widely available and doctors are not recommending it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to people with ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a form of talk therapy that can teach your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behavior. These patterns can be altered to improve focus, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about what the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. Every situation is different and a bespoke plan is the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to talk about your specific situation.