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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD It can be difficult to sleep for people suffering from ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do manage to fall asleep it's usually restless and unrefreshing. What many people don't know is that the stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can help them sleep better at night. Medicines Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut off their brains at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. For some, stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss these issues with their physician prior to attempting any new sleep medication. For the majority of patients the time, the best option is to follow good hygiene guidelines for sleep and take the appropriate medication for their needs. Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a possible side effect, but it's common for those with ADHD to have difficulty sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, even though they're not taking stimulant drugs. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication before the time they go to bed. The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, which is also known as ADD or MPH. MPH oral was found to extend the length of sleep and to reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for improving sleep. Some individuals with ADHD are unable to fall asleep due to the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep and may cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007). MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is accomplished by decreasing the time spent awake, increasing slow wave sleep and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in some children with ADHD. Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, is utilized to help sufferers of ADHD to fall asleep, producing a sedative 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. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new skills that will promote better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other forms of treatment for ADHD like classes and parent training. This kind of therapy teaches kids and teens to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also helps teach young people how to relax and take on a more active part in their own sleep routine. Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from sleep issues. These issues are usually related to daytime impairments. A lot of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which causes “sleep deficiency” and makes it difficult for them to wake up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep can cause the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration and vigilance. It also affects academic performance. Adults with ADHD may also have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning throughout the day. In addition, the majority of adults report that they feel more restless and unable to shut their minds and bodies down at night like people with ADHD do. Sometimes, their agitated minds make them wake up during the night. The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders affect each the other in various ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping problems. In some cases both disorders may overlap and mimic one another (Cortese and co. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, like sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are related to the hyperactivity of ADHD. While some studies suggest ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this finding. The effects of medication on sleep can be affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient at the time of starting treatment and the time of exposure to the medication. Supplements People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep problems such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult to sleep soundly which can affect their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can affect school and work performance. Certain people with ADHD suffer from comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These can be treated by medication and lifestyle adjustments. Diet and exercise can help especially in terms of increasing protein intake that promotes restful sleep. A calming bedtime routine can be helpful. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping. Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate. It is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in children and adults. Several studies have shown that the melatonin helps with sleep problems and drowsiness for people who take methylphenidate, but it doesn't seem to reduce the core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in helping with sleep for those who don't take methylphenidate. In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were found to decrease ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Omega-3s are found in fish, walnuts and salmon. this link is also utilized by some people with ADHD however, not less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream. There is limited evidence to suggest that nutritional supplements, such as zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms for a few people. However, more research is required. Psychoeducation is a psychological treatment that seeks to educate children, teens and adults about ADHD and its consequences. It can help people with ADHD increase their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can 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 can also involve therapy for families and group support groups, which can help families cope with the strain of living with ADHD. Other Options Many people suffering from ADHD feel their best at the night, when the house is peaceful and the noise level is low. However racing thoughts and issues getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. Sleep deprivation can also affect working memory and make it difficult to concentrate. Researchers have found that stimulants can improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. A lot of doctors prefer non-stimulants, such as long-acting medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to take effect, but they generally have fewer side effects. Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, which is a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between the time you normally go to bed and when you are asleep. Light therapy is an alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves exposure to bright daylight throughout the day, in order to help synchronize the internal clock and help promote better sleep at night. It isn't yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for individuals who suffer from ADHD. Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a kind of talk therapy that can teach a child or you how to alter certain thoughts and behaviors. The change in these patterns could help to reduce problems with self-control, attention and working memory. It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. Every situation is unique, and a personalized plan will be most efficient. Sleep hygiene practices that are effective and medication can help improve both ADHD and sleep disorders However, you'll need to discuss the specifics of your situation.