How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people suffering from ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges which make it difficult to sleep. When they do sleep it's usually tense and unrefreshing.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication that they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medications
Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut off their brain at bedtime that can cause insomnia and a lack of sleep. Certain stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for a few people. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to attempting any new sleep medication. For the majority of patients the time, the best option is to adhere to good sleep hygiene practices and choose the appropriate medication to meet their needs.
Insomnia is not listed as a frequent side effect in most scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep or waking up all night. In fact, many people with ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even if they're not taking stimulant medications. I find that about two-thirds of the patients who are trouble sleeping take an dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to help them fall asleep.
medication for adhd and anxiety prescribed drug for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. 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 et al., 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulations for improving sleep.
Some individuals with ADHD have trouble falling asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to go to sleep and can lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sleep.
MPH has been found to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep and enhancing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea that is obstructive or oppositional defiant disorder. anxiety in some children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine is a central nervous depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help those with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which possess mild sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep for people suffering from ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and adolescents new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with training for parents and classroom intervention. This type of therapy teaches children and teens to promote positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also helps teach youngsters how to relax and play a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These problems are often related to daytime impairments. Many of these kids suffer from chronically poor sleeping that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it more difficult for them to wake up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Inadequate duration of sleep also causes the development of a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy, which is connected to decreased vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also at risk of having difficulty falling and sleeping, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. In addition, most adults are more restless and in a position to shut their minds and bodies down at night than other people with ADHD do. Sometimes, their agitated minds can cause them to awake at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders impact each the other in a variety of ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep issues and in certain instances the two disorders might even overlap and mirror each other (Cortese et al. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some individuals However, other research contradicts this conclusion. The effects of medications on sleep are affected by a range of factors such as the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the length of time exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and trouble falling to sleep. This makes it difficult to achieve a restful sleep, which impacts their ability to concentrate during the daytime. These sleep issues can hinder the performance at work and school. Many people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. These can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, particularly when it is about increasing your protein intake as this promotes restful sleeping. A peaceful routine before bed is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine since it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Melatonin may help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in both children as well as adults. Several studies have shown that the melatonin helps with insomnia and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not appear to decrease the core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep who do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, however more research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is a second supplement that some people with ADHD take however it shouldn't be taken less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the meds from getting into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms for some people. However further research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that aims to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help people with ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids people learn to manage 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 with ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is peaceful and the noise level is low. However, racing thoughts and difficulties getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's rest. Sleep deprivation can also affect memory function and make it difficult to concentrate.
Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep for some adults and children with ADHD, but they also carry the risk of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the levels of dopamine within your brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to act, but have fewer side-effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes a delay of 2 hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is an alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day, in order to synchronize its internal clock and help promote better sleeping at night. It isn't yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been shown to be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that can teach a child or you how to change certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be changed to reduce problems with self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan is for you and your children. A customized treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured through good sleep hygiene and medications, but you'll need to discuss your particular situation.