How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD<br /><br />Many people who suffer from ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy spurts which make it difficult to fall asleep. When they do fall asleep it's often a struggle to sleep and not reviving.<br /><br />Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication that they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.<br /><br />The effects of medication<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut down their brain at bedtime that can cause insomnia and restless sleep. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for a few people. Medical professionals recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to taking any new sleep medications. For the majority of patients the time, the best option is to follow good practices for sleeping hygiene and choose the appropriate medication to meet their needs.<br /><br />Insomnia isn't listed as a frequent adverse effect in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD have trouble falling asleep or waking up throughout the night. Many people with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they aren't taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.<br /><br />MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to extend the duration of deep sleep and decrease the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). Oral MPH is more efficient than OROS formulation in improving sleep.<br /><br />RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties falling asleep in people with ADHD. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and could cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).<br /><br />MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the time spent awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">adhd stimulant medication</a> has also been found to reduce sleep disturbances due to other disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al., 2008).<br /><br />Clonidine is a central depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts for four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have moderate sedative effects.<br /><br />Behavioral Therapy<br /><br />Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in people who have ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new skills that will promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This type of therapy helps youngsters and teens to promote positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also helps young people to relax and take a more active part in their routines of sleep.<br /><br />Numerous studies have demonstrated that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from sleep problems. These issues are typically caused by daytime issues. Many of these kids suffer from chronically poor sleeping that contributes to "sleep deficiency" and makes it harder for them to get up in the morning. They also lack sustained vigilance throughout the day. Inadequate duration of sleep also can lead to the development of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is linked to a decreased vigilance, concentration, as well as poor academic performance.<br /><br />Adults with ADHD may also have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their performance throughout the day. A majority of adults feel more agitated at night and are in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies than people without ADHD. Their restless minds often make them wake at night.<br /><br /><br /><br />The relationship between ADHD and sleep is a complex and both disorders can affect one another in different ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep issues and in certain instances the two disorders might even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese et al. 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently related to the hyperactivity of ADHD.<br /><br />Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication can affect sleep, others contradict this assertion. Many factors can influence the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient before beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of exposure to drugs, and the dose of the stimulant.<br /><br />Supplements<br /><br />People suffering from ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and trouble getting to sleep. This makes it difficult to get a restful sleep which can affect their ability to concentrate during the daytime. These sleep issues can also interfere with school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.<br /><br />Exercise and diet can be beneficial, particularly when it involves increasing your protein intake because it helps you sleep more soundly. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be helpful. It's important to avoid caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.<br /><br />Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a well-known stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in those who take methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also shows promise for helping people sleep even if they do not take methylphenidate.<br /><br />Omega-3 fats have been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are all good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people with ADHD however, not less than a half hour prior to or following the taking of ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.<br /><br />There isn't enough evidence to suggest that other nutritional supplements, such as zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in certain people, but more research is needed.<br /><br />Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that seeks to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects. It can assist people with ADHD gain more confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people control their social behavior. These therapies can be carried out either on their own or in a group. Psychoeducation may include group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families cope with stress brought on by ADHD.<br /><br />Other Options<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD are most at their best when they are asleep, especially when the house is quiet. It isn't easy to fall asleep. a good sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can affect working memory and make it difficult to focus during the day.<br /><br />Researchers have found that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause rebound symptoms and misuse. Thus many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, specifically long-acting ones such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to act however, they have fewer adverse effects.<br /><br />Some experts also suggest taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that causes a delay of 2 hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and the time you actually fall asleep.<br /><br />Light therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances that involves exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize the body's internal clock and promote an easier sleep at night. It's not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, however it has been shown to be beneficial for those with ADHD.<br /><br />Other treatments include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a form of talk therapy which can teach your child or yourself how to modify certain patterns of thinking and behavior. Changing these patterns can reduce problems with control of attention, self-control and working memory.<br /><br />It is crucial to talk to your healthcare professional regarding what the best treatment plan is for you and your children. A tailored 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 situation.<br /><br />