How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy spikes which make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do manage to sleep it's usually a struggle and not reviving.
What many people don't know is that the same stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among people with ADHD. For some, stimulant medication used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to trying any new sleep medications. Most people will find that the best way to manage their sleep is to use the correct medication and maintain good habits of sleep hygiene.
The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not list insomnia as a possible side effect, but it is common for those with ADHD to have difficulty falling asleep and waking throughout the night. In fact, many with ADHD have trouble sleeping even if they're not taking stimulant medication. uk adhd medication find that about two-thirds of the patients who are trouble sleeping take a dose of their ADHD medication before bed to aid in falling asleep.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH was shown to prolong the length of sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for promoting sleep.
Some individuals who suffer from ADHD have trouble falling asleep because of the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and could 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 awake at night, improving slow wave sleep and increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional disorder in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have moderate effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that will promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to employ positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches children to relax and play a more active part in their sleep routine.
A variety of studies show that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems that are often caused by daytime issues. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the daytime. A lack of sleep can lead to the development of a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy. It is linked to decreased vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty falling and sleeping, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. Most adults also feel more agitated at night and incapable of shutting off their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. Often, their restless minds cause them to awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated, with both disorders influencing each other in a variety of ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep disorders and, in some instances both disorders could even overlap and mirror each other (Cortese and co., 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea, or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some people, other reports contradict this conclusion. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of beginning pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from a variety of sleep problems, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which impacts their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep problems can also affect work and school performance. Many people with ADHD also have sleep issues like snoring, or obstructive sleep apnea. These disorders can be addressed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can help especially when it comes to increasing the intake of protein which can promote restful sleep. A peaceful bedtime routine is also helpful. It is important to stay away from caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep issues caused by methylphenidate, which is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been proven to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in some studies, but more research is required. Fish such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are some good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some people suffering from ADHD however, not less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation, such as zinc and iron, may reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms for some people. However further research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that is designed to educate children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can assist people who suffer from ADHD increase their confidence 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 individually or in a group. Psychoeducation can involve group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families deal with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD have the best mood at the night, when the house is quiet and distractions are low. It isn't easy to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. Sleep deprivation can also affect working memory, making it difficult to concentrate.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep quality for children and adults with ADHD, but they also carry the risk of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants such as long-acting medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to work, but they generally have less adverse effects.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It may be especially helpful for people suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of 2 hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright daylight throughout the day, in order to help synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleep at night. It isn't yet widely used or endorsed by medical professionals, however it has been proven to be beneficial for individuals who suffer from ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be altered to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It is important to talk with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. A personalized treatment plan is the most efficient. Every situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to talk about your particular situation.