How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is a challenge for many people with ADHD due to racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do manage to fall asleep it's usually a struggle and unrefreshing.
But what many don't realize is that the stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD struggle to shut off their minds at night, leading to insomnia and a lack of sleep. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for a few people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. For most those, the best approach is to adhere to good hygiene guidelines for sleep and take the appropriate medication for their specific needs.
The majority of the scientific literature on effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for those with ADHD to experience trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. In fact, many people with ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when they are not taking stimulant medication. I have observed that around two-thirds of patients who have trouble sleeping take the dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to prolong the time spent in deep sleep and reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for promoting sleep.
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 can result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to alleviate sleep disturbances that are caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional disorder in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts up to four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which possess mild sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and adolescents new skills that will promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches youngsters 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 sleep issues. These issues are typically related to daytime impairments. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a lack of alertness throughout the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also cause narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.
non prescription adhd medication with ADHD are also prone to having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their performance throughout the daytime. In addition, most adults say they are more agitated and unable to shut their minds and bodies down at night than other people without ADHD do. Often, their restless minds cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated, with both disorders influencing each other in multiple ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems, and in some cases the two disorders might even be similar to each other (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS), have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, others dispute this conclusion. non prescription adhd medication can influence the effects of medications on sleep, such as the age of the patient when starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of exposure to the drug and the dosage of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to achieve a restful sleep, which impacts their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can interfere with the performance at work and school. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These conditions can be treated by medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Diet and exercise can be helpful, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. It's important to avoid caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a well-known stimulant that is used to treat ADHD, both in children as well as adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin can help with drowsiness and sleeping difficulties for people who take methylphenidate. However, it doesn't seem to reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep even if they do not take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Fish such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some people with ADHD, but not less than one hour prior to or following the taking of ADHD medication. It prevents the medication from absorbing in the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence to suggest that other dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms for some people. However it is necessary to conduct more research.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychological treatment that teaches children, teenagers and adults on ADHD and its consequences, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more confident and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior when they are in social situations. These treatments can be given in groups or individually. Psychoeducation can also involve therapy for families and group support groups that can assist families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best during night, when the house is peaceful and the noise level is low. However, racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. In addition, poor sleep can affect memory and make it harder to concentrate throughout the daytime.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for some adults and children with ADHD However, they also carry the risk of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to take effect however, they typically have fewer side negative effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, regulates the circadian rhythm. It also aids in promoting sleep. It may be particularly helpful for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, which is a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you usually go to bed and when you go to sleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day to help synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It isn't yet widely used or endorsed by medical professionals, however it has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a type of therapy for talking that can help your child or you how to change certain thinking patterns and behavior. These patterns can be altered to help improve problems with attention, self-control and working memory.
It is important to talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is different. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.