Let's Get It Out Of The Way! 15 Things About ADHD Sleep Medication We're Sick Of Hearing

How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD

Many people with ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy spurts which make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing.

What many people don't know is that the stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also help them sleep better at night.

Medicines

Sleeplessness and insomnia are common among people with ADHD. For some, stimulant medication that are used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their doctor before trying any new sleeping medication. Most people will find that the best approach to control their sleep is to take the correct medication and adhere to good sleep hygiene.

Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side effect, but it is common for people suffering from ADHD to experience trouble getting to sleep and then waking throughout the night. Many people with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they are not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.

The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, also called ADD or MPH. Oral MPH has been shown to extend the length of sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal distribution system, or OROS formulation.

RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people with ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and may cause a poorer quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).

MPH helps reduce the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the time spent awake, increasing slow wave sleep and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to reduce sleep disturbances resulting from other disorders that are comorbid, 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 is a central nervous depressant that is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have modest effects on sedation.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses mostly on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other forms of treatment for ADHD including classes and parent training. This kind of therapy teaches children and teens to promote positive behavior rather than punishing them. It also teaches young people how to relax and take on a more active part in their own sleep routine.

A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues that are often 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 wake up in the morning. They also lack sustained vigilance throughout the day. Inadequate duration of sleep also causes the development of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to having trouble falling and staying asleep, which can have a significant impact on their daytime performance. Many adults complain of feeling more agitated at night and being in a position to not be able to shut off their bodies and minds than people without ADHD. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken during the night.

The relationship between ADHD and sleep is a complex and both disorders can affect one another in different ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and in certain instances both disorders could even overlap and mimic one another (Cortese et al., 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and periodic movement of the limbs in sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD.

Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this conclusion. Many factors can influence the effects of medication on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, duration of drug exposure and the dosage of the stimulant.

Supplements

People with ADHD typically suffer from a variety of sleep problems, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to get a restful night's sleep, which can affect their ability to concentrate during the day. These sleep problems can also impact work and school performance. Many people with ADHD may also suffer from sleep disorders such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These disorders can be addressed through medication and lifestyle changes.

Diet and exercise can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A relaxing bedtime routine can also be beneficial. It's important to avoid caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been found to reduce drowsiness and sleep problems in people who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD.  adhd medication uk for adults  shows promise for helping people sleep who do not take methylphenidate.

In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are some good sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some individuals suffering from ADHD, but not less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the meds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

There is a lack of evidence to show that other supplements in the diet like zinc and iron, reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to decrease ADHD symptoms for some people. However, more research is required.

Psychoeducation, a type of psychological treatment that educates children, teenagers, and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include the use of behavioural therapy to help people learn to manage their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be provided in groups or individually.  adhd medication for adults uk  can involve group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families deal with the stress that comes from ADHD.

Other Options

Many people with ADHD are at their best during night, when the house is peaceful and distractions are low. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. Poor sleep can also affect working memory and make it difficult to focus.

Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for some adults and children with ADHD, but they also carry the possibility of misuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the dopamine levels in your brain. However, they do so through different ways. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect and have less side-effects.

Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to help with sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It may be especially helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that results in a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.

Light therapy is an alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day to synchronize the internal clock, and encourage better sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors are not recommending it, but it has shown to be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD.

Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a kind of therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to alter certain patterns of thought and behavior. These patterns can be changed to reduce problems with 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 customized strategy will be the most efficient. A good sleep hygiene routine and medications can improve both ADHD and sleep disorders, but you'll need to discuss the particulars of your situation.