How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience racing thoughts and nighttime energy spurts that make it hard to sleep. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless 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 aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among people with ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for certain people. The medical community recommends that patients discuss these issues with their doctor before trying any new sleep medication. The majority of people will discover that the best method to control their sleep is to use the correct medication and adhere to good sleep hygiene.
Sleepiness is not mentioned as a frequent side effect in most research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep or waking all night. In fact, many with ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when not taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds of patients in my practice who are trouble sleeping take the dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to help them fall asleep.
MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. MPH oral has been proven to reduce the time taken for individuals to fall asleep and increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues., 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is higher than the transdermal delivery system OROS, also known as OROS, formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can lead to difficulty falling asleep in some people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and could result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH has been found to reduce 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 the amount of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in a few children with ADHD.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety is a central nerve system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, is used to help people with ADHD to fall asleep, producing a sedative that lasts for four hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron), which both have moderate effects of sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with parent training and classroom intervention. adhd medication ritalin of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also teaches youngsters to relax and play a more active role in their sleep routine.
Numerous studies have shown that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems, which are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which leads to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a lack of sustained alertness throughout the day. Inadequate duration of sleep also can lead to the development of a sleep disorder dubbed Narcolepsy. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a huge impact on their functioning throughout the day. A majority of adults report feeling more restless at night and are in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies as well as those without ADHD. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders influence each other in different ways. In many research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances, these two disorders can overlap and be similar to each other (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS), have also been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this conclusion. Different factors can affect the effects of medication on sleep, including the age of the patient when beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of drug exposure and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People with ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. adhd medication pregnancy makes it difficult to rest and sleep, which can affect their ability to focus throughout the day. These sleep issues can hinder the performance at work and school. Many people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. These can be treated by medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake because it helps you sleep more soundly. A relaxing routine at bedtime is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate. It is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep even if they do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fats have been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is required. Fish such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is another supplement that some people with ADHD take however it is not recommended to take it less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. It prevents the meds from getting into the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, but more research is required.
Psychoeducation, a kind of psychotherapy that teaches adolescents, children and adults on ADHD and its consequences, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people to manage their social behavior. These treatments can be given either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups that can assist families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most at their best when they sleep, especially in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can impact working memory and make it harder to concentrate during the day.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for some children and adults with ADHD However, they come with the risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are able to increase the levels of dopamine in your brain. They do this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to work and have less side-effects.
Some experts also suggest taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to treat insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It may be especially helpful for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day to synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleeping at night. It is not yet widely available or endorsed by doctors, however it has been proven to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to modify certain patterns of thought and behavior. Changes in these patterns can help improve self-control, attention, and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different and a bespoke plan is the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated by a healthy sleep routine and medications, but you will need to discuss your specific situation.