How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people with ADHD due to their racing thoughts and energy surges at night. When they do sleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they use to treat 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 down their minds at night that can cause insomnia and sleeplessness. Certain stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for some people. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to attempting any new sleep medication. The majority of people will discover that the best method to manage their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good habits of sleep hygiene.
The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep do not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for people suffering from ADHD to have trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. In fact, many who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when they are not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication before the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH was shown to extend the duration of deep sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation in encouraging sleep.
Some individuals who suffer from ADHD are unable to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and may lead to a lower quality of sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea with obstruction and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in some children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al. (2008)).
Clonidine is a central nerve depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help those with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some doctors also suggest antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which possess mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other types of treatment for ADHD including parent training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches children and adolescents to employ positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches youngsters to relax and take on a more active part in their sleep routine.
Numerous studies have shown that children with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These problems are often caused by daytime issues. A lot of them have chronically poor sleep that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it more difficult for them to wake up in the morning. They also have trouble maintaining vigilance throughout the day. A lack of sleep causes the development of a sleep disorder known as Narcolepsy, which is connected to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can affect their daytime functioning. In addition, the majority of adults report that they are more agitated and unable to shut their minds and bodies to sleep than people without ADHD do. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken in the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders affect each other in various ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep problems. In some cases both disorders may overlap and mimic one another (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are often associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some individuals however, other studies contradict this assertion. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting treatment and the length of time exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People with ADHD typically suffer from a variety of sleep problems, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get restful sleep, which can affect their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can affect school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These disorders can be addressed by medication and lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, particularly when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can be helpful. Avoid caffeine as it's a stimulant that can cause headaches or difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate, a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Several studies have shown that the melatonin helps with drowsiness and sleeping difficulties for people who take methylphenidate. However, it does not appear to decrease the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also has shown promise in helping with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in some studies, but more research is needed. Fish such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are some good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some people with ADHD, but not less than one hour prior to or following the taking of ADHD medication. It stops the medication from absorbing in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other dietary supplementation, such as zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few people, however, more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that seeks to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help people with ADHD gain more confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural treatment, which helps people learn to control their social behavior. These therapies can be carried out either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation can also involve groups of support and family therapy groups, which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they sleep, particularly if the house is quiet. It can be difficult to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect memory function, making it difficult to focus.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants may improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However they can also cause problems with rebound and abuse. Many doctors favor nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate, (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However, they accomplish this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants may take longer to take effect but they usually have fewer side effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for those suffering from ADHD who have sleep problems. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, regulates the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, which is an insomnia disorder characterized by the presence of a delay of at most two hours between the time you usually go to bed and when you are asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock and promote a more restful sleep at night. It's not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, however it has been proven to be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a form of therapy for talking which can teach you or your child how to modify certain thinking patterns and behaviors. adhd treatment medication in these patterns can help reduce problems with self-control, attention, and working memory.
It is crucial to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. Each situation is unique, and a personalized strategy will be the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to discuss your specific situation.