How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people who suffer from ADHD have racing thoughts and energy spurts that make it difficult to sleep. When they do sleep it's usually tense and not reviving.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medications they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night.
Medications
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults with ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for some people. Medical professionals recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to attempting any new sleep medication. Most people will find that the best way to control their sleep is to use the correct medication and maintain good routines for sleeping.
Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side result, but it is common for people with ADHD to experience trouble falling asleep and waking throughout the night. In fact, many people who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication before bedtime.
MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. MPH oral was found to increase the time spent in deep sleep and to reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system OROS, 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 fall asleep, and can cause a poorer quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is achieved by decreasing 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 comorbid disorders such as sleep apnea with obstruction and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in some children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008).
Clonidine, a central nervous system depressant that is often prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD sleep by producing a sedative that lasts for up to four hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, such as trazodone, (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron) Both have moderate effects of sedation.
non stimulant adhd medication can aid in improving sleep in people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new techniques that promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with training for parents and classroom intervention. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach young people how to relax and take a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These issues are typically caused by daytime issues. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next day and a lack of sustained concentration throughout the daytime. Inadequate duration of sleep also contributes to the development of a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy, which is linked to a decreased vigilance, concentration and poor academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are also prone to having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their performance during the day. Additionally, many adults report that they are more agitated and unable to shut their minds and bodies down at night like people who do not have ADHD do. Their anxious minds can cause them to awaken during the night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders influence each the other in various ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep disorders and, in some instances both disorders could even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and co. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can affect sleep, other studies contradict this assertion. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a variety of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of beginning treatment and the length of time exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This can make it difficult for them to rest and sleep, which can hinder their ability to focus throughout the daytime. These sleep issues can also interfere with school and work performance. Many people with ADHD also have sleep issues such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Diet and exercise can help especially when it comes to increasing the amount of protein consumed, which promotes restful sleep. A peaceful bedtime routine could also be beneficial. It is important to stay away from caffeine as it is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and trouble sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin is helpful in reducing insomnia and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate, but it does not appear to decrease core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin also shows promise for helping people sleep even if they do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Omega-3s are present in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is also utilized by some individuals suffering from ADHD but not less than one hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from absorbing into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements like iron and zinc, help reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been proven to help improve ADHD symptoms in some people, but more research is required.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that aims to educate children, teens and adults about ADHD and its effects. It can assist people who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also incorporate behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior in social settings. The treatments can be performed either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups, which can help families cope with the strain of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best during evening, when the home is quiet and distractions are low. It isn't easy to fall asleep. a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can affect working memory and make it difficult to focus during the day.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for some children and adults with ADHD, but they come with the danger of misuse and rebound symptoms. A lot of doctors prefer non-stimulants, such as long-acting medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However, they do so through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants may take longer to take effect, but they generally have fewer side effects.
Some doctors recommend melatonin as a light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, regulates the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, an insomnia disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you normally go to bed and when you are asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment to sleep disorders that requires exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock to promote an easier sleep at night. It's not widely available and doctors do not endorse it, but it has proved to be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.
Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a type of talk therapy which can teach your child or yourself how to modify certain thinking patterns and behavior. These patterns can be changed to help improve problems with self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Every situation is unique. Sleep hygiene practices that are effective and medications can improve both ADHD and sleep disorders But you'll have to discuss the specifics of your case.