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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD

Sleeping is a challenge for many people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and energy surges at night. If they do fall asleep it's usually a struggle and unrefreshing.

What many people don't know 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

Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among adults with ADHD. Certain stimulant medications used to treat their ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. Most people will find that the best method to control their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good sleep hygiene.





The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not list insomnia as a possible side effect, but it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. In reality, many people with ADHD have trouble sleeping even when not taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds of patients who struggle to sleep take the dose of their ADHD medication before bed to assist them in falling asleep.

non stimulant adhd medication prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been shown to extend the duration of deep sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH in promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal distribution system OROS, or OROS formulation.

Certain people who suffer from ADHD have trouble falling asleep because of the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep and could cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).

MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to reduce sleep disturbances due to co-occurring disorders like sleep apnea with obstruction, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al., 2008).

Clonidine is a central depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron) Both have mild sedative effects.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can aid in improving sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses primarily on teaching teens and children new skills to promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other treatments for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches kids and teens to reinforce positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also teaches children to relax and take more actively in their sleep routine.

Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These issues are typically caused by daytime issues. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which leads to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next day and a lack of sustained vigilance during the daytime. Insufficient sleep contributes to the development of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is linked to decreased vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can be a major influence on their daytime functioning. Additionally, many adults say they are more restless and in a position to put their bodies and minds to sleep than people without ADHD do. Their anxious minds can cause them to awaken during the night.

The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated, with both disorders influencing one another in different ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances, the two disorders may even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and co. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, such as apnea and limb movements that occur periodically in sleep (PLMS) are often connected to the hyperactivity of ADHD.

While some studies suggest ADHD medication can affect sleep, other studies contradict this conclusion. Various factors can affect the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient before beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of exposure to the drug, and the dose of the stimulant.

Supplements

People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and trouble falling to sleep. This can make it difficult for them to rest and sleep, which can hinder their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can also interfere with school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These are treatable with medication and lifestyle changes.

Exercise and diet can be beneficial, particularly when it involves increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. It is important to stay away from caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and trouble sleeping.

Melatonin may help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. Melatonin has been proven to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in helping with sleeping in people who do not take methylphenidate.

In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Omega-3s are present in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is also used by some people with ADHD, but not less than a half hour before or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into bloodstream.

There is no evidence to suggest that other supplements to diet, like iron and zinc, can 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, a kind of psychological treatment that educates teens, children, and adults about ADHD and its consequences, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which aids individuals learn to control their behavior in social settings. These therapies can be carried out either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation can involve 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 when they sleep, particularly when the house is quiet. It isn't easy to get a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect memory function and make it difficult to focus.

Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep quality for children and adults with ADHD However, they come with the danger of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to work, but have fewer side-effects.

Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to help with insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also aids in promoting sleep. It can be especially beneficial for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you typically go to bed and when you go to sleep.

Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders that involves 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 accessible and doctors are not recommending it, but it has shown to be beneficial to people with ADHD.

Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT, which is a kind of therapy for talking that can help your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behavior. The change in these patterns could help to decrease problems with self-control, attention, and working memory.

It is crucial to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. A customized treatment plan is the most effective. Each situation is unique. Good sleep hygiene practices and medications can improve both ADHD and sleep disorders However, you'll need to discuss the specifics of your case.