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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD Sleeping is difficult for many people suffering from ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. When they do fall asleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing. Most people aren't aware that the same stimulant medications they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night. Medicines Restless sleep and insomnia are common among people with ADHD. For some, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. The medical community recommends that patients discuss these issues with their doctor before trying any new sleeping medication. For most, the best course is to adhere to good practices for sleeping hygiene and choose the appropriate medication to meet their needs. The majority of scientific research on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not list 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 people suffering from ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, even when they're not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime. MPH or methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to reduce the time taken for individuals to fall asleep, and also increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH to promote sleep is greater than the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation. Certain people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it hard for some people to fall asleep and may lead to a lower quality of sleep. MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is achieved by reducing the amount of time awake, increasing slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD. Clonidine, a central nervous system depressant often prescribed for high blood pressure, can be used to help people with ADHD fall asleep by creating a state of sedation lasting up to four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have moderate sedative effects. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy focuses mostly on teaching teens and children new skills to promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with training for parents and classroom intervention. This type of therapy teaches children and adolescents to use positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also teaches young people to relax and take a more actively in their routines of sleep. A variety of studies show that the majority of children suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep issues, which are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of these children suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to a buildup of a “sleep debt,” resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next day and a lack of sustained concentration throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep can lead to the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance. Adults with ADHD are also at risk of having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can affect their daytime performance. Most adults also report feeling more restless at night and being in a position to not be able to shut their bodies and minds than people without ADHD. Often, their restless minds cause them to wake up during the night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated and both disorders impact each other in a variety of ways. Many research studies report that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep problems and in certain instances the two disorders might even be similar to each other (Cortese and co., 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are often related to the hyperactivity of ADHD. Although some studies suggest that ADHD medication can impair sleep, others dispute this conclusion. The effects of medications on sleep are affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient at the time of starting the treatment and the length of time exposure to the medication. Supplements People with ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, including insomnia and trouble falling asleep. This can make it difficult for them to rest and sleep, which may affect their ability to focus during the day. Sleep issues can hinder academic performance and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid like obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle adjustments. Diet and exercise can help, especially when it comes to increasing protein intake that promotes restful sleep. A peaceful bedtime routine is also helpful. It is important to stay away from caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping. Melatonin can help alleviate sleep problems caused by methylphenidate. It is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been proven to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate. In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is add adhd medications to be done. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish and salmon. Vitamin C is also used by some people suffering from ADHD but not less than an 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, such as iron and zinc, help reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in a few people, but more research is needed. Psychoeducation, a type of psychological treatment that teaches adolescents, children and adults on ADHD and its effects, can help those with ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people control their social behavior. These treatments can be given in groups or individually. Psychoeducation may include group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families deal with stress caused by ADHD. Other Options Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best when they are asleep, especially when the house is quiet. However racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's sleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can affect working memory and make it harder to focus during the daytime. Researchers have found that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However they can also trigger problems with rebound and abuse. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants such as long-acting medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are able to increase the levels of dopamine within your brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants might take longer to work, but they generally have less side effects. Some professionals also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to help with sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps control the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It may be particularly helpful for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to sleep for at least two hours between when you normally go to bed and when you go to sleep. Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders that requires exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock and promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It is not widely available and doctors do not endorse it, however it has been shown to be beneficial to people with ADHD. Other treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy which can help a child or an adult learn how to alter certain thoughts and behaviors. Changing these patterns can reduce problems with self-control, attention, and working memory. It is crucial to talk with your doctor about what the best treatment plan is for you or your children. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan is the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved by a healthy sleep routine and medications, however you'll need to talk about your specific case.