How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people suffering from ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy spikes which make it difficult to sleep. If they do get to sleep it's usually tense and not reviving.
But what many don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they take for their ADHD symptoms during the day can help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut off their brain at bedtime which can lead to insomnia and sleeplessness. For some, stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to attempting any new sleeping medications. Most people will find that the best approach to manage their sleep is to use the correct medication and adhere to good sleep hygiene.
The majority of the scientific literature on effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for those with ADHD to have trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. In fact, many people who suffer from ADHD struggle to sleep even when they are not taking stimulant medications. I find that about two-thirds (or more) of the patients in my practice who struggle to sleep take an dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to reduce the time taken for individuals to fall asleep and increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation for encouraging sleep.
Certain people with ADHD have trouble falling asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to go to sleep and can lead to less quality sleep.
MPH has been proven to reduce the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep and increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea with obstruction, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. (2008); Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine is a central nerve depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts for four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine, (Remeron) Both have mild sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other forms of treatment for ADHD like teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy helps youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and play a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have shown that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These issues are typically associated with daytime impairments. A lot of them suffer from chronically poor sleeping that causes "sleep deficiency" and makes it more difficult for them to get up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep contributes to the development of a sleep disorder known as Narcolepsy, which is connected to decreased vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also prone to experiencing difficulty falling asleep and sleeping, which can affect their daytime performance. Most adults also feel more agitated at night and being incapable of shutting down their minds and bodies than people without ADHD. Sometimes, their agitated minds can cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is a complex, with both disorders influencing each other in multiple ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep disorders and, in some instances the two disorders might even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and co. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While a variety of studies suggest ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people However, other research contradicts this assertion. The effects of medications on sleep are affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of beginning treatment and the duration of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD typically suffer from a variety of sleep issues, such as insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to achieve a restful sleep, which impacts their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep issues can affect academic performance and work performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These disorders can be addressed by medication and lifestyle modifications.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, particularly when it involves increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, which is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin is helpful in reducing sleep problems and drowsiness in people who take methylphenidate. However, it doesn't seem to reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping sleepers who do not take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Omega-3s are present in walnuts, fish and salmon. adhd medication pregnancy is also used by some people suffering from ADHD however, not less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the meds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence to suggest that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, but more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychotherapy that teaches children, teenagers and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve behavioral therapy, which can help people learn to control their behavior in social situations. These treatments can be done either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation may include therapy for families and support groups to help families deal with stress brought on by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD have the best mood at the night, when the house is peaceful and distractions are low. It isn't easy to fall asleep. a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Sleep deprivation can also affect memory function making it difficult to concentrate.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants may improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However they can also cause problems with rebound and abuse. Thus, many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to work however, they have fewer adverse effects.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that helps regulate the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It may be especially helpful for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes a delay of 2 hours or more between the time you normally go to bed 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 synchronize the body's internal clock to promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It isn't yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy that can teach you or a child how to alter certain thought patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be altered to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most effective. Every situation is unique. A good sleep hygiene routine and medications can improve both ADHD and sleep disorders However, you'll need to discuss the specifics of your case.