How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is a challenge for many people with ADHD due to racing thoughts and energy surges at night. If they do manage to fall asleep it's usually restless and not reviving.
But what many 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
Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults suffering from ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for a few people. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to taking any new sleep medications. For the majority of people the time, the best option is to adhere to good hygiene guidelines for sleep and choose the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
Sleepiness is not mentioned as a typical side effect in most scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep or staying awake all night. Many people with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they aren't taking stimulant drugs. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication to treat ADHD. MPH oral was found to prolong the time spent in deep sleep and to reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH to promote sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system, or OROS, formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties falling asleep in people with ADHD. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and could cause a poorer quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007).
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. It does this by reducing the time spent awake, increasing slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to decrease sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have moderate sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy focuses mostly on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other treatments for ADHD like parent training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy teaches kids and teens to promote positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also teaches young people how to relax and play a more active part in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have demonstrated 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 sleep, which can cause "sleep deficiency" and makes it more difficult for them to get up in the morning. They also lack sustained vigilance throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can have a significant impact on their daytime performance. In addition, most adults say they are more agitated and unable to put their bodies and minds down at night like people without ADHD do. Often, their restless minds make them awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders affect 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 both disorders may overlap and be akin to one another (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS) have also been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some people however, other studies contradict this finding. Different factors can affect medication effects on sleep, such as the age of the patient before beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of drug exposure, and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which impacts their ability to concentrate during the day. These sleep issues can also affect academic performance and work performance. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders like snoring or sleeping apnea. These are treatable by taking medication and making lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can help particularly in terms of increasing the intake of protein, which promotes peaceful sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine is also helpful. It is essential to avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin is helpful in reducing drowsiness and sleeping difficulties in people who are taking methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is another supplement that some people with ADHD use however it shouldn't be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in some people, but more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that aims to inform children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its effects. medication for autism and adhd can assist people with ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include the use of behavioural therapy to help individuals learn to control their behavior in social settings. These treatments can be given individually or in groups. 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 at their best when they are asleep, especially in a quiet home. It isn't easy to fall asleep. a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. Poor sleep can also affect your working memory, making it difficult to focus.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause rebound symptoms and misuse. So, many doctors prefer to use nonstimulants, especially long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However, they accomplish this through different ways. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect however, they have fewer adverse effects.
Some professionals also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to treat sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It may be especially helpful for people suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes 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 viable alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright light throughout the day, in order to synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleep at night. It is not yet widely available or endorsed by medical professionals, however it has been shown to be beneficial for those with ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that can teach a child or you how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be altered to reduce problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different and a bespoke plan will be most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to discuss your specific situation.