How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is a challenge for many people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and energy surges at night. When they do fall asleep, it is often restless and not reviving.
What many people don't know is that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medications
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults suffering from ADHD. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for some people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to trying any new sleep medications. The majority of people will discover that the best approach to manage their sleep is to take the correct medication and adhere to good routines for sleeping.
Insomnia isn't listed as a common side effect in most scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep or staying awake throughout the night. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, even if they're not taking stimulant drugs. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping take their ADHD medication before bedtime.
MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to increase the length of sleep and reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation in promoting sleep.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties falling asleep in people with ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and may cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH has been proven 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 enhancing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, such as trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates primarily on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other forms of treatment for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches children and teens to reinforce positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also teaches children to relax and take a more active part in their sleeping routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from sleep issues. These problems are often associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a lack of alertness throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep can cause narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also susceptible to experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can affect their daytime functioning. In addition, the majority of adults report that they feel more restless and unable to close their minds and bodies down at night than other people who do not have ADHD do. Their agitated minds often wake them up at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated, with both disorders influencing each other in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and mimic one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some individuals However, other research contradicts this assertion. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient when they begin the treatment and the duration of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This makes it hard to get a restful sleep which can affect their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can also interfere with academic performance and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can help, especially in terms of increasing the intake of protein, which promotes restful sleep. A relaxing routine at bedtime is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine since it's a stimulant and can cause headaches or difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help alleviate sleep issues caused by methylphenidate, a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been shown to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in those who take methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also shows promise for helping people sleep even if they don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that people suffering from ADHD utilize however, it should not be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, however, more research is required.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that seeks to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help those 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 in social situations. These therapies can be carried out either in a group or on their own. over the counter adhd medication can include family therapy and support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from 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 a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can impact working memory and make it difficult to concentrate throughout the daytime.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for some adults and children with ADHD, but they are also a possibility of abuse and rebound symptoms. Thus, many doctors prefer non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the levels of dopamine in your brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to work however, they typically have less side consequences.
Some experts also suggest supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to aid in insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps control the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It may be especially helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which results in a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment to sleep disorders that requires exposure to bright light throughout the day to synchronize the body's internal clock and encourage a more peaceful sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors do not recommend it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy which can help a child or an adult learn how to modify certain thoughts and behaviors. These patterns can be changed to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. A customized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured by a healthy sleep routine and medications, however you'll need to discuss your particular situation.