How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and energy spikes which make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they take for their ADHD symptoms during the day can also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults with ADHD. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical professionals recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to trying any new sleeping medications. For most, the best course is to adhere to good practices for sleeping hygiene and use the right medication to meet their needs.
The majority of the scientific literature on effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side effect, but it's common for those with ADHD to experience trouble getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. In best adhd medication for adults , many people with ADHD struggle to sleep even when not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. MPH oral was found to prolong the length of sleep and to reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulations for improving sleep.
RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can lead to difficulty falling asleep in some people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it hard for some people to sleep and could result in less quality sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the time spent awake, increasing slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by co-occurring disorders like sleep apnea that is obstructive and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al. (2008)).
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, is used to help those suffering from ADHD to fall asleep, creating a state of sedation lasting four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which possess mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy focuses mostly on teaching teens and children new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other types of treatment for ADHD like teacher training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy helps children and teens to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also helps young people to relax and take more active part in their sleep routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems that are often related to daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next day and a lack of sustained vigilance during the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also lead to narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their functioning during the daytime. In addition, most adults report that 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 make them awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders affect each one in a variety of ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and in certain instances both disorders could even be similar to one another (Cortese et al., 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, like apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some individuals However, other research contradicts this conclusion. Many factors can influence medication effects on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of exposure to the drug and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues such as insomnia and difficulty falling to sleep. This makes it difficult to sleep soundly which may affect their ability to focus throughout the day. Sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep issues like snoring, or obstructive sleeping apnea. These are treatable by taking medication and making lifestyle adjustments.
Diet and exercise can help, especially when it comes to increasing protein intake that promotes peaceful sleep. A peaceful bedtime routine could also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in both children as well as adults. Melatonin has been found to alleviate drowsiness and sleep problems in people who take methylphenidate. However it isn't able to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep even if they do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are all good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that people suffering from ADHD take, but it is not recommended to take it less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. It stops the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence that suggests that other dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms for a few people. However, more research is required.
Psychoeducation, a type of psychological treatment that educates teens, children and adults on ADHD and its consequences, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids people manage their behavior in social settings. These therapies can be carried out either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may also include groups of support and family therapy groups that can assist families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they sleep, particularly in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and issues getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. In addition, poor sleep can impact working memory and make it difficult to concentrate during the daytime.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for some adults and children with ADHD, but they come with the risk of misuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore, many doctors prefer nonstimulants, especially long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect and have less side-effects.
Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to aid in sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that is characterized by the presence of a delay of at most two hours between the time you usually go to bed and when you fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment to sleep disorders that requires exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock and promote an easier sleep at night. It isn't yet widely available or endorsed by doctors, 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 therapy that can teach a child or you how to alter certain thoughts and behaviors. These patterns can be changed to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Every situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you will need to discuss your particular situation.