How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy surges which make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do manage to sleep it's usually a struggle and not reviving.
Most people aren't aware that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
The effects of medication
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut down their brain at bedtime which can lead to insomnia and sleeplessness. For some, stimulant medication used to treat ADHD can cause issues with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor before trying any new sleep medication. For the majority of people, the best course is to adhere to good hygiene guidelines for sleep and choose the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not list insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even though they're not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to decrease the time required for people to fall asleep and improve their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation in promoting sleep.
Some individuals who suffer from ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome, or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to sleep and could result in less quality sleep.
MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing sleep at night, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional defiant syndrome in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine, a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD fall asleep by producing a sedative that lasts for four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron), which both have moderate effects of sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that can lead to better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This type of therapy teaches children and adolescents to employ positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also teaches children to relax and play a more actively in their sleeping routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next morning and a decrease in concentration throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep 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 suffering from ADHD may also have trouble sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their performance throughout the daytime. In addition, the majority of adults say they are more agitated and unable to put their bodies and minds down at night like people with ADHD do. Their agitated minds often wake them up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated, with both disorders influencing each other in multiple ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and mimic each other (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, others dispute this assertion. Different factors can affect medication effects on sleep, including the age of the patient when starting pharmacotherapy, duration of drug exposure and the dosage of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems like insomnia and trouble falling to sleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can affect work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD suffer from comorbid sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These disorders can be addressed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. Avoid caffeine since it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been proven to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also shows promise for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in some studies, but more research is needed. 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 is not recommended to take it less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medications. It stops the meds from getting into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements, such as iron and zinc, help reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms for some people. However it is necessary to conduct more research.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that seeks to educate children, teens and adults about ADHD and its effects. It can assist people 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 given in groups or individually. Psychoeducation can include therapy for families and support groups to help families cope with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during the night, when the house is quiet and distractions are low. It isn't easy to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory, making it difficult to concentrate.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep quality for some children and adults with ADHD, but they also carry the possibility of abuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are able to increase the levels of dopamine in your brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. adhd medication uk take longer time to effect and have less side-effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders that requires exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock to promote a more restful sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors are not recommending it, but it has proved to be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a form of therapy for talking that can teach you or your child how to alter certain thinking patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be altered to reduce problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It's important that you speak to your healthcare professional about what the best treatment plan is for you or your children. Every situation is unique and a bespoke plan is the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated through good sleep hygiene and medications, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.