10 Quick Tips About ADHD Sleep Medication
How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spurts that make it hard to fall asleep. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medications
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults suffering from ADHD. For some, stimulant medication that are used to treat ADHD can cause issues with sleep. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to taking any new sleeping medications. For the majority of people, the best course is to adhere to good practices for sleeping hygiene and use the right medication for their specific needs.
The majority of the scientific literature on effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side result, but it is common for people with ADHD to have difficulty getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. In fact, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep even if they're not taking stimulant medication. I have observed that around two-thirds of patients in my practice who struggle to sleep take an dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to decrease the time it takes for people to fall asleep, and also increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulations for encouraging sleep.
RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people with ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to go to sleep and could result in less quality sleep.
MPH has been found 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 increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been demonstrated to decrease sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD fall asleep by producing a sedative that lasts for four hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel), or mirtazapine, (Remeron) Both have mild effects of sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in people with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other types of treatment for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and teens to reinforce positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also teaches youngsters to relax and take a more active part in their own sleep routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleeping that causes "sleep deficiency" and makes it harder to get up in the morning. They also have trouble maintaining vigilance throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also cause Narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also prone to having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. Many adults feel more agitated at night and are in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies more than those who do not have ADHD. Sometimes, their agitated minds can cause them to wake up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders influence each the other in various ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances, the two disorders may even overlap and mimic one another (Cortese et al., 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication may affect sleep, others contradict this assertion. The effects of medications on sleep are affected by a variety of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting treatment and the time of exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems like insomnia and difficulties getting to sleep. This makes it difficult to get a restful night's sleep, which impacts their ability to focus throughout the daytime. These sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These are treatable with medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial particularly in terms of increasing the intake of protein which can promote peaceful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. It's important to avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant, and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Melatonin may help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a well-known stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. Melatonin has been proven to reduce drowsiness and sleep problems in people who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also has shown promise in helping to improve sleeping in people who do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fats have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few studies, however more research is required. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are some good sources of omega-3s. managing adhd without medication is another supplement that a few people with ADHD take, but it is not recommended to take it less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. It stops the meds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is limited evidence that other supplements in the diet like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been found to help improve ADHD symptoms in some people, however, more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychological treatment that teaches children, teenagers and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more confident and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve behavioral therapy, which can help people control their social behavior. These treatments can be done either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation may also include therapy for families and group support groups which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they sleep, particularly in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep deprivation can also affect your working memory and make it difficult to focus.
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. A lot of doctors prefer non-stimulants, such as long-acting medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to take effect however, they typically have less adverse effects.
Some doctors also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to treat sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It may be particularly helpful for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, an insomnia disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between when you typically go to bed and when you fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock to promote a more restful sleep at night. It is not yet widely available or endorsed by medical professionals, however it has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to alter certain thought patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be changed to improve focus, self-control and working memory.
It's important that you speak to your healthcare professional regarding what the most effective treatment strategy is for you or your children. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is unique. Sleep hygiene practices that are effective and medications can help with ADHD and sleep disorders But you'll have to discuss the specifics of your situation.