How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and a surge of energy at night. If they do fall asleep, it's often restless and not reviving.
Most people aren't aware that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night.
Medicines
Restless sleep and insomnia are common among adults with ADHD. For some, stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical professionals recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. For the majority of people those, the best approach is to adhere to good practices for sleeping hygiene and take the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for people suffering from ADHD to experience trouble getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even when they aren't taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds of the patients who struggle to sleep take an dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH was shown to increase the length of sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH in promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation.
Some individuals with ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations that are associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to go to sleep and may lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH reduces 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 reduce sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nerve system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, is utilized to help sufferers of ADHD sleep by creating a state of sedation lasting up to four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have moderate effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep for people with ADHD. adhd medication pregnancy of therapy focuses mostly on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with training for parents and classroom intervention. This type of therapy teaches kids and teens to promote positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also helps teach young people how to relax and play a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from sleep problems. These problems are often related to daytime impairments. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also lead to the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to having difficulty falling and sleeping, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. A majority of adults report feeling more restless at night and are in a position to not be able to shut their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. In many cases, their anxious minds can cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders impact each the other in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep issues. In some cases, these two disorders can overlap and be similar to each other (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). In addition, sleep disorders, including apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are connected to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest ADHD medication may affect sleep, others dispute this finding. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting treatment and the time of exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People with ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep problems, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. adhd sleep medication makes it difficult to rest and sleep, which may affect their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can affect academic performance and work performance. Some people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These conditions can be treated by taking medication and making lifestyle adjustments.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. Melatonin has been proven to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it isn't able to diminish the 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 improve ADHD symptoms in some studies, but more research is needed. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are all good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a different supplement that some people with ADHD take, but it shouldn't be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is limited evidence that suggests that other dietary supplementation, such as zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in certain individuals, however more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that seeks to educate children, teens and adults about ADHD and its effects. It can help those with ADHD increase their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior in social settings. These treatments can be given either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may also include therapy for families and group support groups, which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is quiet and distractions are low. It isn't easy to get a good sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can affect working memory and make it harder to focus during the day.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for some adults and children with ADHD However, they are also a risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. However, they do so through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to take effect however, they typically have fewer side consequences.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It may be especially helpful for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that results in a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It is not widely available and doctors do not recommend it, however it has been proved to be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a form of talk therapy that can help your child or yourself how to modify certain thinking patterns and behavior. Changes in these patterns can help decrease problems with self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan is for you or your children. Each situation is unique and a customized strategy will be the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated through good sleep hygiene and medications, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.