How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spurts which make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do fall asleep it's usually a struggle and unrefreshing.
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 help them sleep better at night.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut off their brain at bedtime, leading to insomnia and restless sleep. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for certain people. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss these issues with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. Most people will find that the best way to manage their sleep is to use the right medication and follow good routines for sleeping.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep do not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it is common for those with ADHD to have trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. Many people suffering from ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they're not taking stimulant drugs. I have observed that around two-thirds of patients who have trouble sleeping take a dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to help them fall asleep.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, also called ADD or MPH. MPH oral has been proven to reduce the time it takes for individuals to fall asleep and increase their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is higher than the transdermal delivery system, or OROS formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties falling asleep in people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to sleep and can lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is achieved by decreasing the time spent awake, increasing slow wave sleep and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to reduce sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nerve depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have modest effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new skills that will promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often combined with other forms of treatment for ADHD like classes and parent training. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and teens to promote positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also teaches youngsters to relax and take a more active part in their sleep routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues that are frequently related to daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next morning and a decrease in alertness throughout the daytime. A lack of sleep contributes to the development of a sleep disorder dubbed Narcolepsy. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning during the day. In addition, most adults report that they feel more restless and unable to put their bodies and minds to sleep than people without ADHD do. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders influence each one in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances, these two disorders can overlap and be similar to one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). In addition sleep disorders, like apnea and limb movements that occur periodically in sleep (PLMS) are frequently related to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people However, other research contradicts this finding. Many factors can influence the effects of medications on sleep, such as the age of the patient before beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of drug exposure and the dosage of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This can make it difficult for them to get a restful sleep which can affect their ability to focus throughout the daytime. These sleep issues can also hinder academic performance and work performance. Many people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleeping apnea. These can be treated by taking medication and making lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be helpful. It is important to stay away from caffeine, which is a stimulant that can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping.
Taking melatonin may help improve sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin is helpful in reducing sleep problems and drowsiness for people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in assisting with sleep for those who don't take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is required. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people with ADHD, but not less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that nutritional supplements, such as zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been proven to improve ADHD symptoms in certain people, however, more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that seeks to educate children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can help those who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people control their behavior in social situations. These treatments can be done individually or in a group. Psychoeducation may also include groups of support and family therapy groups, which can help families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is peaceful and distractions are low. It isn't easy to fall asleep. an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Poor sleep can also affect your working memory, making it difficult to concentrate.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause problems with rebound and abuse. Thus, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to take effect, but they generally have less adverse consequences.
Some experts also suggest taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to aid in insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also aids in promoting sleep. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that results in 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 possible alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day in order to help synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleeping at night. It is not widely available and doctors are not recommending it, but it has proved to be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that can teach you or a child how to modify certain thoughts and behaviors. These patterns can be changed 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. Every situation is different and a bespoke plan is the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured by a healthy sleep routine and medications, but you'll need to talk about your specific case.