How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do fall asleep it's usually a struggle and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults with ADHD. For some, stimulant medication used to treat ADHD can cause issues with sleep. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to attempting any new sleep medication. For the majority of people those, the best approach is to follow good sleep hygiene practices and choose the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
Insomnia is not listed as a frequent condition in the majority of research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking throughout the night. adhd anxiety medication with ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they are not taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds of the patients who are trouble sleeping take the dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to reduce the time taken for people to fall asleep and increase their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe et al., 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation for promoting sleep.
RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties falling asleep in people with ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and could result in an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time spent awake at night, increasing slow wave sleep and increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, is used to help those suffering from ADHD to fall asleep, creating a state of sedation lasting up to four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have moderate effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that can lead to better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often combined with other types of treatment for ADHD including classes and parent training. This type of therapy teaches children and adolescents to employ positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also teaches young people how to relax and take on a more active part in their sleep routine.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These problems are often caused by daytime issues. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a decrease in alertness throughout the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which could be a major influence on their daytime functioning. A majority of adults feel more agitated at night and being incapable of shutting their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. Their agitated minds often wake them up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is a complex and both disorders can affect each other in multiple ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep disorders and in certain instances, the two disorders may even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese et al., 2006a). Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can affect sleep, others contradict this assertion. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting treatment and the duration of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems like insomnia and difficulties falling asleep. This makes it difficult to achieve a restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep problems can also affect school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep issues such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated by medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A peaceful routine at bedtime is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine as it's a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin may help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it isn't able to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. adhd anxiety medication has also proven to be effective in assisting with sleeping in people who do not take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that a few people with ADHD take however, it should not be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medications. It prevents the meds from getting into the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other nutritional supplements, such as zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, however, more research is required.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that seeks to inform children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can help those who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people learn to control their behavior in social situations. These treatments can be done either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may include family therapy and support groups to help families cope with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is peaceful and distractions are low. However racing thoughts and issues getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's rest. In addition, poor sleep can affect working memory and make it difficult to concentrate during the day.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep for some children and adults with ADHD However, they also carry the risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones such as 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 however, they typically have fewer side consequences.
Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to treat sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright light throughout the day in order to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It is not yet widely accessible or recommended by doctors, however it has been shown to be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a type of talk therapy that can teach your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behavior. The change in these patterns could help to decrease problems with control of attention, self-control and working memory.
It's important that you speak with your doctor about what the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is different. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to talk about your specific situation.