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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. If they do get to sleep it's often a struggle to sleep and unrefreshing. Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night. Medicines Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut down their minds at night which can lead to insomnia and a lack of sleep. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for a few people. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to taking any new sleep medication. The majority of people will discover that the best way to manage their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good sleep hygiene. Insomnia is not listed as a frequent adverse effect in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep or waking up all night. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even if they are not taking stimulant drugs. I've observed that two-thirds (or more) of the patients in my practice who struggle to sleep take an dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to aid in falling asleep. MPH or methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD. MPH oral has been proven to reduce the time taken for individuals to fall asleep and improve the duration of their deep sleep (Radcliffe and colleagues. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH for promoting sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation. RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause difficulties in falling asleep for people suffering from ADHD. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep and could cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007). MPH has been proven to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time spent awake at night, enhancing slow wave sleep and enhancing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD. 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 practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), which both have mild effects on sedation. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses mostly on teaching teens and children new skills that will help improve their sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other forms of treatment for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This type of therapy teaches children and teens to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and play a more active role in their sleep routine. Numerous studies have shown that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These issues are usually related to daytime impairments. A lot of them suffer from chronically poor sleeping that can cause “sleep deficiency” and makes it difficult to get up in the morning. They also lack vigilance and endurance throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also lead to the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance. It also affects academic performance. Adults suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning throughout the day. A majority of adults report feeling more restless at night and being incapable of shutting their bodies and minds than people without ADHD. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken at night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex, with both disorders influencing one another in different ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep problems. In certain instances, these two disorders can overlap and mimic one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea, or periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) have also been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD. While some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, other studies contradict this finding. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a range of factors, including the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the duration of exposure to the drug. Supplements People with ADHD are often plagued by sleep issues such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This can make it difficult for them to rest and sleep, which may affect their ability to focus throughout the day. Sleep issues can affect work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid like obstructive sleeping apnea, or snoring. These disorders can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes. Exercise and diet can help especially in terms of increasing the intake of protein, which promotes peaceful sleep. A restful routine at bedtime is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping. Read the Full Write-up can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a common stimulant that is used to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to reduce the core symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who do not take methylphenidate. In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to reduce ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Fish, walnuts, and salmon are all excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also used by some individuals suffering from ADHD however, not less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It prevents the meds from getting into the bloodstream. There is no evidence to suggest that supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in a few individuals, however more research is needed. Psychoeducation, a form of psychological treatment that educates children, teenagers, and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people with ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people control their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be provided either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation may also include therapy for families and group support groups which can help families cope with the stress of living with ADHD. Other Options Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they are asleep, especially in a quiet home. However racing thoughts and difficulty getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. In addition, sleep deprivation can affect working memory and make it difficult to concentrate throughout the daytime. Researchers have discovered that stimulants may improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However they can also trigger rebound symptoms and misuse. Thus many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. They do this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect however, they have fewer adverse effects. Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to help with insomnia in people 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 for those suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep. Light therapy is an alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves exposing the body to bright light throughout the day in order to synchronize its internal clock, and encourage better sleep at night. It isn't yet widely accessible or recommended by doctors, but it has been shown to be beneficial for people with ADHD. Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a form of therapy for talking that can teach your child or you how to change certain patterns of thinking and behavior. Changes in these patterns can help reduce problems with self-control, attention and working memory. It is important to talk with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved with good sleep hygiene and medication, but you'll need to discuss your specific situation.