How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is difficult for many people with ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do get to sleep it's often a struggle to sleep and unrefreshing.
What many people don't know is that the stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Many people with ADHD struggle to shut off their minds at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. Certain stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for some people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleeping medications. Most people will find that the best method to manage their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good routines for sleeping.
Insomnia isn't listed as a typical condition in the majority of studies on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep or waking up throughout the night. In fact, many people who suffer from ADHD have trouble sleeping even when not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been shown to decrease the time it takes for individuals to fall asleep, and also increase the duration of their deep sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH in promoting sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS, formulation.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people suffering from ADHD. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep, and can result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007).
MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. It does this by decreasing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to decrease sleep disturbances due to 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, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some physicians recommend antidepressants, such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron) Both have moderate sedative effects.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in people who have 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 parent training and classroom intervention. adhd sleep medication of therapy teaches youngsters and teens to promote positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and play 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, which are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the day. A lack of sleep causes the development of a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their performance throughout the day. In addition, the majority of adults say they are more restless and in a position to shut their minds and bodies down at night than other people who do not have ADHD do. Their anxious minds can wake them up at night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders affect each other in various ways. Numerous research studies have shown that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep disorders and in certain instances both disorders could even be similar to one another (Cortese and co. 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently connected to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some individuals however, other studies contradict this conclusion. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the duration of exposure to the medication.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from 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 may affect their ability to concentrate during the daytime. Sleep issues can interfere with school and work performance. Some people with ADHD also have sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A relaxing routine at bedtime is also beneficial. It is important to stay away from caffeine which is a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. A number of studies have proven that melatonin can help with sleep problems and drowsiness in people who are taking methylphenidate, though it doesn't appear to help reduce the core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping sleepers who don't take methylphenidate.
In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are some excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a second supplement that people suffering from ADHD take, but it should not be taken less than an hour before or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from absorbing into the bloodstream.
There is a lack of evidence to show that other dietary supplements like iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in some individuals, however more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a form of psychological treatment that teaches adolescents, children and adults on ADHD and its effects, can help people suffering from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioral therapy, which can help people control their social behavior. These therapies can be carried out either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can include therapy for families and support groups to help families deal with stress caused by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they are asleep, especially in a quiet home. However, racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory making it difficult to concentrate.
Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for some children and adults with ADHD however, they are also a possibility of misuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However, they accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to work however, they typically have fewer side consequences.
Some professionals also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to treat sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It can be especially beneficial for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, which is an insomnia 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 an alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright daylight throughout the day in order to help synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleep at night. It is not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that can teach a child or you how to modify certain thought patterns and behaviors. These patterns can be altered to improve self-control, attention and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan is the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured by a healthy sleep routine and medication, but you'll need to talk about your specific situation.