How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is a challenge for many people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and a surge of energy at night. When they do sleep it's usually tense and unrefreshing.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medications they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night.
Medicines
Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut down their brain at bedtime that can cause insomnia and a lack of sleep. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for a few people. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their doctor prior to trying any new sleeping medication. Most people will find that the best approach to manage their sleep is to take the correct medication and maintain good habits of sleep hygiene.
Insomnia isn't listed as a typical side effect in most research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However, it is common that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or staying awake all night. In reality, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep even when not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have trouble sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been shown to prolong the duration of deep sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation in improving sleep.
RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS), can cause difficulty falling asleep in some people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it hard for some people to go to sleep and could result in a lower quality of sleep.
MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time spent awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep, and increasing the amount of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been found to decrease sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as sleep apnea with obstruction 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).
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, is used to help people with ADHD to fall asleep, causing sedation that lasts four hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants such as trazodone, (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron) Both have mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that will help improve their sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This type of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters how to relax and play a more active role in their own sleep routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep problems. These problems are often related to daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a difficulty in waking the next day and a decrease in alertness throughout the daytime. most effective adhd medication for adults Iam Psychiatry of sleep also contributes to the development of a sleep disorder known as Narcolepsy, which is connected to a decrease in vigilance and concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD are also susceptible to having trouble falling and sleeping, which can affect their daytime functioning. Most adults also feel more agitated at night and are incapable of shutting off their bodies and minds as well as those without ADHD. In many cases, their anxious minds can cause them to awake in the middle of the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is a complex and both disorders impact each other in a variety of ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep problems and in certain instances both disorders could even overlap and mimic each other (Cortese and colleagues., 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea or periodic movement of the limbs in sleep (PLMS), have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in certain people However, other research contradicts this conclusion. Various factors can affect the effects of medication on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of exposure to drugs, and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are frequently plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and difficulties getting to sleep. This makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to concentrate during the day. Sleep issues can affect school and work performance. Some people with ADHD suffer from comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These are treatable by medication and lifestyle changes.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be helpful. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease problems caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. Several studies have shown that the melatonin helps with sleep problems and drowsiness in people who are taking methylphenidate, but it doesn't appear to help reduce the underlying ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping with sleep in people who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that a few people with ADHD utilize however it should not be taken less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. Vitamin C prevents the medication from absorbing in the bloodstream.
There is no evidence to suggest that nutritional supplements, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms in some people. However further research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a type of psychotherapy that teaches children, teenagers and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people control their social behavior. These therapies can be offered in groups or individually. Psychoeducation may include therapy for families and support groups to help families deal with stress brought on by ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best when they are asleep, especially when the house is quiet. However, racing thoughts and difficulties getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can affect working memory and make it difficult to concentrate throughout the daytime.
Studies have shown that stimulants can improve sleep quality for children and adults with ADHD however, they also carry the risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect, but have fewer side-effects.
Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to help with sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone created naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also helps promote sleep. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, a sleep disorder that is characterized by a delay of at least two hours between when you normally go to bed and when you go to sleep.
Light therapy is a viable alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposure to bright light throughout the day to help synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleeping at night. It isn't yet widely available or endorsed by doctors, however it has been proven to be beneficial for those with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to modify certain thought patterns and behaviors. Changing these patterns can decrease problems with control of attention, self-control and working memory.
It is important to talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different, and a personalized strategy will be the most effective. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured with good sleep hygiene and medications, however you'll need to talk about your particular situation.