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 often restless and not reviving.
But what many don't realize is that the stimulant medication they take for their ADHD symptoms during the day may also help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut off their brains at night, leading to insomnia and sleeplessness. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for a few people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to attempting any new sleep medications. The majority of people will discover that the best way to control their sleep is to use the correct medication and adhere to good habits of sleep hygiene.
Insomnia is not listed as a typical side effect in most research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking all night. In reality, many people with ADHD have trouble sleeping even when they are not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication before bedtime.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to decrease the time it takes for people to fall asleep and improve their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues., 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for encouraging sleep.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, or RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to fall asleep and can lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. It does this by decreasing 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 due to co-occurring disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional defiant disorder. anxiety in 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 also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other types of treatment for ADHD including classes and parent training. This type of therapy helps kids and teens to reinforce positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also helps teach youngsters how to relax and play a more active part in their sleep routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children with ADHD suffer from sleep issues, which are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these kids suffer from chronically poor sleep, which causes "sleep deficiency" and makes it difficult for them to wake up in the morning. They also lack sustained vigilance throughout the day. inattentive adhd medication of sleep also contributes to the development of a sleep disorder known as Narcolepsy, which is connected to a decreased vigilance, concentration, as well as poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also at risk of having trouble falling and sleeping, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. In addition, the majority of 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. Their agitated minds often wake them up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders impact each one in different ways. In a variety of research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and be akin to each other (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people However, other research contradicts this finding. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the length of time exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep problems, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get a restful night's sleep, which can affect their ability to concentrate during the daytime. These sleep issues can hinder academic performance and work performance. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These disorders can be addressed by medication and lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, particularly when it involves increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A peaceful bedtime routine could be helpful. It is essential to avoid caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep issues caused by methylphenidate, a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin can help with sleep problems and drowsiness in people who take methylphenidate. However, it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in assisting with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were found to reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people with ADHD, but not less than one hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms for some people. However further research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a type of psychological treatment that teaches teens, children and adults on ADHD and its consequences, can help people suffering from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior when they are in social situations. These treatments can be done either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups that can assist families cope with the strain of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best when they sleep, particularly in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. In addition, poor sleep can affect working memory and make it harder to concentrate throughout the day.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Thus, many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this through different ways. Nonstimulants may take longer to work but they usually have less adverse effects.
Some doctors also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to treat insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It is particularly helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposure to bright light throughout the day to synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It's not yet widely available or endorsed by medical professionals, however it has been proven to be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can teach you or a child how to change certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be altered to help improve 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. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Every situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you will need to discuss your specific situation.