How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges that make it hard to sleep. If they do manage to sleep, it's often restless and not reviving.
But what people don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD struggle to shut down their brains at night, leading to insomnia and a lack of sleep. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for a few people. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. The majority of people will discover that the best way to manage their sleep is to take the correct medication and maintain good sleep hygiene.
The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not list insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for those with ADHD to have trouble getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. Many people suffering from ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they're not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication before the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to reduce the time required for individuals to fall asleep and increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe et al., 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal distribution system OROS, or OROS formulation.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and could result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007).
MPH helps reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been demonstrated to decrease sleep disturbances that are caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine, a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, can be used to help those suffering from ADHD fall asleep by producing a sedative that lasts for four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep in people with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This type of therapy teaches children 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 suffering from ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these kids suffer from chronically poor sleep, which can cause "sleep deficiency" and makes it harder to get up in the morning. They also have trouble maintaining vigilance throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also lead to Narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their functioning during the daytime. Many adults report feeling more restless at night and unable to shut down their minds and bodies more than those who do not have ADHD. Often, their restless minds make them awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders influence each one in different ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances both disorders could even overlap and mimic one another (Cortese et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) have also been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While medication for adhd and anxiety suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some people However, other research contradicts this finding. Different factors can affect the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient before starting pharmacotherapy, duration of exposure to the drug and the dosage of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and difficulties falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which impacts their ability to concentrate during the day. These sleep issues can affect school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated by taking medication and making lifestyle adjustments.
Diet and exercise can help, especially when it comes to increasing the intake of protein, which promotes restful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep problems in people who take methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep who do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fats have been proven to improve ADHD symptoms in some studies, however more research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is another supplement that a few people with ADHD utilize however, it is not recommended to take it less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. Vitamin C prevents the medication from absorbing in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other supplements to diet, like iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to decrease ADHD symptoms for a few people. However it is necessary to conduct more research.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that aims to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help those with ADHD gain more confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve behavioral therapy, which can help people control their behavior in social situations. These therapies can be carried out either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups, which can help families cope with the strain of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most productive when they sleep, especially if the house is quiet. However, racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can impact working memory and make it difficult to focus during the daytime.
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. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants such as long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect, but have fewer side-effects.
Some doctors recommend melatonin as a light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, regulates the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It may be particularly helpful for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you normally go to bed and the time you go to sleep.
Light therapy is an alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day in order to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It's not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be altered to improve attention, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different and a customized strategy will be the most effective. A good sleep hygiene routine and medication can help improve both ADHD and sleep disorders, but you'll need to discuss the specifics of your case.