How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people with ADHD due to racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. When they do sleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults suffering from ADHD. Certain stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. Most people will find that the best method to manage their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good sleep hygiene.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep do not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for people suffering from ADHD to experience trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. In fact, many who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH was shown to increase the time spent in deep sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation.
Some individuals who suffer from ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome, or RLS. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and may cause a poorer quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007).
MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing 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 demonstrated to decrease sleep disturbances that are caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nerve system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help those suffering from ADHD fall asleep by creating a state of sedation lasting four hours. Some doctors also suggest antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have moderate sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other forms of treatment for ADHD including teacher training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy teaches children and adolescents to use positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach young people how to relax and take a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These issues are typically related to daytime impairments. A lot of them have chronically poor sleep that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it harder for them to get up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep can lead to the development of a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD may also have trouble sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their ability to function throughout the day. Additionally, many adults say they feel more restless and unable to close their minds and bodies to sleep than people with ADHD do. Often, their restless minds can cause them to awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders impact each other in different ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep issues. In some instances, these two disorders can overlap and be akin to each other (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication may affect sleep, others contradict this assertion. Many factors can influence the effects of medication on sleep, including the age of the patient before starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of drug exposure, and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get restful sleep, which can affect their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep problems can also affect work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can help, especially in terms of increasing protein intake which can promote restful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. It is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin is helpful in reducing drowsiness and sleeping difficulties for people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help improve ADHD symptoms in some studies, however more research is required. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are all excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that a few people with ADHD utilize however it shouldn't be taken less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. It stops the meds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in certain people, but more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychotherapy that teaches children, teenagers, and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids people learn to manage their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be performed individually or in a group. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups, which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are most productive when they are asleep, especially in a quiet home. It can be difficult to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can impact working memory and make it harder to concentrate during the day.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep quality for some children and adults with ADHD however, 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 (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the dopamine levels in your brain. add adhd medications accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to work but they usually have fewer side consequences.
Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to help with sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that helps control the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, a sleep disorder characterized by a delay of at least two hours between the time you typically go to bed and when you fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day to synchronize its internal clock and help promote better sleeping at night. It is not widely available and doctors do not endorse it, however it has been proven to be beneficial to people with ADHD.
Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a kind of talk therapy that can teach your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be altered to help improve problems with 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 unique, and a personalized plan will be most effective. A good sleep hygiene routine and medications can help with ADHD and sleep disorders But you'll have to discuss the particulars of your situation.