How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
It can be difficult to sleep for people with ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do get to sleep it's usually tense and not reviving.
But what people don't realize is that the stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also aid them in sleeping better at night.
The effects of medication
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut off their minds at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for a few people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medications. Most people will find that the best way to manage their sleep is to take the correct medication and adhere to good habits of sleep hygiene.
Insomnia isn't listed as a typical adverse effect in the majority of studies on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep or waking all night. Many people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even though they're not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. MPH oral was found to increase the duration of deep sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system, or OROS, formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to go to sleep and may lead to a lower quality of sleep.
MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time spent awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep and enhancing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances caused by other disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional defiant disorder. anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine is a central depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel), or mirtazapine, (Remeron), which both have mild sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other types of treatment for ADHD like teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to employ positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches young people how to relax and take a more active part in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have shown that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These issues are typically related to daytime impairments. A lot of them have chronically poor sleep that causes "sleep deficiency" and makes it difficult to get up in the morning. They also have trouble maintaining vigilance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep can cause narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their performance during the daytime. Most adults also feel more agitated at night and incapable of shutting their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders influence each the other in different ways. In a variety of research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep problems. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). In addition sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are often associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this conclusion. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get a restful sleep which can hinder their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can also hinder school and work performance. Many people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders like snoring, or obstructive sleep apnea. 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 relaxing routine before bed is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, which is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in children and adults. Melatonin has been found to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it isn't able to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are all good sources of omega-3s. adhd medications is also utilized by some people with ADHD but not less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the meds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standard pine bark extract, has been shown to decrease ADHD symptoms for a few people. However it is necessary to conduct more research.
adhd uk medication , a type of psychological treatment that educates teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also incorporate behavioural therapy, which helps people learn to manage their behavior when they are in social situations. The treatments can be performed either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation can involve therapy for families and support groups to help families cope with stress brought on by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, particularly in a quiet home. It can be difficult to get a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can affect memory and make it harder to concentrate throughout the day.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep for some adults and children with ADHD However, they also carry the risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. Thus, many doctors prefer non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants may take longer to take effect however, they typically have less adverse negative effects.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, an insomnia disorder characterized by a delay of at least two hours between when you usually go to bed and when you are asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances that involves exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock to promote an easier sleep at night. It's not widely available and doctors are not recommending it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to people with ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy which can teach you or a child how to alter certain thought patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be changed to improve focus, self-control and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Every situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated by a healthy sleep routine and medication, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.