How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people suffering from ADHD experience racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges that make it hard to fall asleep. If they do get to sleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing.
Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication that they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut down their brains at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for some people. Medical professionals recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to trying any new sleeping medications. The majority of people will discover that the best way to manage their sleep is to use the correct medication and adhere to good routines for sleeping.
Insomnia is not listed as a common condition in the majority of studies on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people with ADHD have trouble falling asleep or staying awake throughout the night. In fact, many with ADHD have trouble sleeping even if they're not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication before the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. MPH oral has been proven to decrease the time it takes for people to fall asleep and increase the duration of their deep sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH for promoting sleep is greater than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS, formulation.
Some individuals with ADHD have trouble falling asleep because of the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to fall asleep and may lead to less quality sleep.
MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to reduce sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea or oppositional disorder in a few children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, is utilized to help sufferers of ADHD fall asleep by causing sedation that lasts up to 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 improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new skills that will promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with training for parents and classroom intervention. This type of therapy helps children and teens to reinforce positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also teaches children to relax and take a more actively in their routines of sleep.
Numerous studies have shown that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues that are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next day and a decrease in concentration throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also cause narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration, vigilance, and academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having trouble falling and staying asleep, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. In addition, the majority of adults say they are more agitated and unable to close their minds and bodies to sleep than people with ADHD do. Sometimes, their agitated minds make them wake up during the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders influence each one in a variety of ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances the two disorders might even overlap and mirror one another (Cortese and colleagues. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea, or 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 can affect sleep, others dispute this finding. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People with ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to achieve a restful sleep, which can affect their ability to focus throughout the daytime. These sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These disorders can be addressed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can help particularly when it comes to increasing the amount of protein consumed, which promotes peaceful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. It is essential to avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. Melatonin has been shown to help with drowsiness, and sleep problems in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping sleepers who do not take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Omega-3s are found in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is another supplement that some people with ADHD utilize however, it should not be taken less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into bloodstream.
There is a lack of evidence to show that other supplements in the diet, such as iron and zinc, help reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to decrease ADHD symptoms in some people. However it is necessary to conduct more research.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that is designed to educate children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can assist people who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also incorporate the use of behavioural therapy to help people manage their behavior when they are in social situations. The treatments can be performed either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can include family therapy and support groups to help families deal with the stress that comes from ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during night, when the house is peaceful and the noise level is low. It isn't easy to fall asleep. a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory making it difficult to concentrate.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for children and adults with ADHD however, they are also a 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 function by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this through different mechanisms. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety take longer to work and have less side-effects.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who have sleep problems. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, an insomnia disorder characterized by a delay of at least two hours between when you usually go to bed and when you are asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock and encourage a more peaceful sleep at night. It is not yet widely available or endorsed by doctors, however it has been proven to be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation as well as cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, which is a kind of therapy for talking that can teach your child or yourself how to modify certain thinking patterns and behavior. These patterns can be changed to help improve problems with attention, self-control and working memory.
It is crucial to talk to your healthcare professional about what the best treatment plan is for you or your children. A customized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is different. 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.