How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Sleeping is a challenge for many people suffering from ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do manage to sleep, it's often restless and not reviving.
But what people don't realize is that the same stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also help them sleep better at night.
Iam Psychiatry suffering from ADHD struggle to shut off their brains at night which can lead to insomnia and a lack of sleep. For some, stimulant medication used to treat their ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss these issues with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. For the majority of patients those, the best approach is to practice good practices for sleeping hygiene and take the appropriate medication to meet their needs.
Insomnia isn't listed as a typical condition in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking all night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even though they're not taking stimulant medications. I've observed that two-thirds (or more) of the patients who are trouble sleeping take a dose of their ADHD medication before bed to assist them in falling asleep.
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate. It is also called ADD or MPH. MPH oral was found to extend the time spent in deep sleep and reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH to promote sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, also known as OROS, formulation.
Certain people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations that are associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and can lead to a lower quality of sleep.
MPH has been shown to reduce the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep and increasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to alleviate sleep disturbances that are caused by comorbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in some children with ADHD.
Clonidine is a central depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts for four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs like 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 concentrates on teaching children and teens new skills that will promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other forms of treatment for ADHD including teacher training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy helps youngsters and teens to reinforce positive behavior, instead of punishing them. It also teaches young people to relax and take a more active part in their sleeping routine.
A variety of studies show that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems that are often caused by daytime issues. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleeping that causes "sleep deficiency" and makes it difficult for them to wake 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. It is linked to a decrease in vigilance and concentration, as well as poor academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their performance during the daytime. In addition, most adults are more restless and in a position to put their bodies and minds down at night like people with ADHD do. Their anxious minds can wake them up at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is a complex. Both disorders impact each one in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping problems. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and be similar to one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic movement of the limbs in sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While a variety of studies suggest ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some people, other reports contradict this assertion. The effects of medication on sleep are affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the drug.
Supplements
People with ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep problems, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep problems can also affect work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.
Exercise and diet can be beneficial especially in terms of increasing the intake of protein, which promotes restful sleep. A relaxing routine before bed is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it's a stimulant and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin may help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD in both children as well as adults. Melatonin has been found to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate. However it isn't able to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also shows promise for helping sleepers who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were proven to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Omega-3s are present in fish, walnuts and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that some people with ADHD utilize however, it should not be taken less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from being absorbed in the bloodstream.
There isn't enough evidence that suggests that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract that is standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been reported to improve ADHD symptoms in certain people, however, more research is needed.
Psychoeducation, a type of psychotherapy that teaches teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those suffering from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people learn to control their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be performed individually or in a group. Psychoeducation may also include therapy for families and group support groups which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best when they sleep, especially in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's rest. In addition, poor sleep can impact working memory and make it harder to concentrate during the daytime.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants may improve sleep in adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Many doctors favor nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate, (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. However, they do so through different ways. Nonstimulants take longer to work, but have fewer side-effects.
Some professionals recommend melatonin or light therapy for those suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, helps regulate the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and the time you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a possible alternative to the use of medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright daylight throughout the day, in order to help synchronize the internal clock and promote better sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors do not endorse it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to people with ADHD.
Other options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy which can teach a child or you how to change certain thought patterns and behaviors. Changing these patterns can decrease problems with self-control, attention and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is different. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to talk about your particular situation.