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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD

Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spurts that make it difficult to fall asleep. When they do sleep it's usually tense and not reviving.

Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication that they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.

Medicines

Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut down their brain at bedtime which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. For some, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their doctor before trying any new sleep medication. Most people will find that the best approach to manage their sleep is to use the correct medication and adhere to good routines for sleeping.

The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side result, but it is common for those with ADHD to experience trouble falling asleep and waking throughout the night. In fact, many people with ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even if they're not taking stimulant medications. I find that about two-thirds of the patients in my practice who struggle to sleep take the dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to assist them in falling asleep.

MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD. MPH oral has been proven to reduce the time taken for individuals to fall asleep and increase the duration of their deep sleep (Radcliffe and co. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is greater than that of the transdermal distribution system, or OROS formulation.

Some individuals who suffer from ADHD have trouble falling asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS.  adhd medications for adults  can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep, and can cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).

MPH has been proven to reduce the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time spent awake at night, improving slow wave sleep, and increasing the amount of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been found to reduce sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional defiant disorder. anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al., 2008).

Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant often prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD to fall asleep, producing a sedative that lasts for up to four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron) both of which have mild sedative effects.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can improve sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses mostly on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other treatments for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy teaches children and teens to promote positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also helps young people to relax and play a more active part in their sleeping routine.

Numerous studies have shown that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues, which are frequently related to daytime impairments. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, leading to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next day and a lack of sustained vigilance during the day. Insufficient sleep can cause the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.

Adults with ADHD are also at risk of having trouble falling and sleeping, which can affect their daytime performance. A majority of adults report feeling more restless at night and being unable to shut off their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. Sometimes, their agitated minds make them awake at night.

The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders impact each the other in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep issues. In some instances both disorders may overlap and be akin to one another (Cortese and co. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea, or periodic movement of the limbs in sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.

While some studies suggest ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this assertion. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of beginning the treatment and the length of time exposure to the medication.

Supplements

People with ADHD are frequently plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and trouble getting to sleep. This makes it difficult for them to achieve a restful sleep, which can affect their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can hinder the performance at work and school. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleeping apnea. These can be treated by medication and lifestyle changes.

Diet and exercise can be helpful, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. It is essential to avoid caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin can help with drowsiness and sleeping difficulties in people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping sleepers who do not take methylphenidate.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Omega-3s are present in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is another supplement that some people with ADHD use however, it should not be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medications. It prevents the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream.

There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few individuals, however more research is needed.

Psychoeducation, a kind of psychological treatment that teaches adolescents, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences, can help people suffering from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people control their behavior in social situations. These therapies can be offered in groups or individually. Psychoeducation can involve therapy for families and support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from ADHD.

Other Options

Many people with ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, especially when the house is quiet. However racing thoughts and issues getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep deprivation can also affect your working memory and make it difficult to concentrate.

Researchers have found that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However, they can also cause rebound symptoms and misuse. A lot of doctors prefer non-stimulants, like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. However, they do so through different ways. Nonstimulants may take longer to work, but they generally have less side effects.

Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It is particularly helpful for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that results in 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 non-pharmacological approach to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock and promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It is not widely available and doctors do not endorse it, but it has proved to be beneficial for people with ADHD.

Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy which can teach a child or you how to change certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be changed to improve focus, self-control and working memory.

It is important to talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is unique and a customized strategy will be the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved by a healthy sleep routine and medications, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.