Why We Our Love For ADHD Sleep Medication (And You Should Also!)

ADHD and Sleep

Despite popular belief, most ADHD medications do not cause sleep problems. In fact, methylphenidate as well as long-acting atomoxetine may actually help you sleep better.

But adults with ADHD may have difficulty getting restful sleep. They often toss and turn and wake up frequently. Even when they do finally go to sleep, their minds are still active.

The effects of medication

A significant number of people suffering from ADHD suffer from sleep problems. Although the scientific literature doesn't usually discuss these issues, they are reported to be common. Patients, parents and even clinicians often talk about difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep, night wakings or activities that are nocturnal, as well as drowsiness throughout the day. Objective measures, such as polysomnography and actigraphy, as well as subjective measures (eg, self-rated questionnaires and diaries) have demonstrated statistically greater sleep problems in people with ADHD when compared to those with no ADHD.

The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant-class medications that increase focus and concentration but can cause sleep disturbances in certain patients. In fact it is recommended that the primary sleep disorder, like narcolepsy, be ruled out before starting these medications (Spruyt and Gozal 2011).

Stimulant-class medication can cause a sudden increase in wakefulness and decrease in sleep efficiency. Sleep disturbances can be caused by a decrease in melatonin production or a direct effect on the nervous system. Some stimulants can also cause a paradoxical agitation in certain individuals, and a sedating effect.

In a controlled, randomized study of the drug ramelteon (an agent that activates Melatonin and is believed by some to regulate the circadian rhythms), insomnia was observed to be improved in people with ADHD who were treated with this medication as compared to a placebo. This was a tiny preliminary study that had limited power and only a few controls, but it could inspire future research that will further explore the timing, dosage, and studying the sleep patterns and daytime blood levels of ramelteon and its counterparts.

Clonidine, mirtazapine and Trazodone are other agents which have been used for treating insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. These medications are not as well-studied and many doctors do not recommend them for treating patients with ADHD due to their potential for sedation the next day.

If someone with ADHD has insomnia, they should try to practice good sleeping habits. They can also take their ADHD medication 45 minutes prior to the time they go to bed. This strategy has proven successful in my practice for the majority of people who have sleep problems and ADHD. If it doesn't work for you, a melatonin supplement can be considered.

Diet

The type of food that people consume can have an impact on their mood. A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can help to improve ADHD symptoms, including those associated with sleep. Foods that are low in sugar, processed fat and high in nutrients, including fruits, vegetables and lean proteins must be consumed. Whole grains, as well as healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed as well. It is essential to cook at home in order to ensure that your meals contain all the essential ingredients needed for good health. However many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty planning and cooking their meals. In these cases it is possible to rely on food delivery or restaurant meals, which are often high in sodium, sugar, and artificial ingredients that can increase ADHD symptoms for some individuals.

People suffering from ADHD have difficulty falling asleep at the end of the night. In fact, sleep issues are the most frequent complaints that people with ADHD have reported. These sleep problems can cause an improvement in the quality of life, and also increased anxiety, depression, stress and, in women over age 40, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

There are many different causes of sleep problems for people suffering from ADHD, which can be related to the symptoms of the disorder or other factors. Certain medications that treat ADHD like methylphenidates could cause sleep problems in certain people. In addition, those suffering from ADHD tend to have a smaller pineal gland, which could affect the way in which the body regulates its circadian rhythm.

In order to help individuals with ADHD get better sleep doctors usually recommend an array of treatment options. This includes setting up an established routine for sleep as well as optimizing the environment for sleep (such as creating a dark, quiet bedroom), and limiting screen time prior to bed. It is also essential for adults to prioritize sufficient sleep, which typically is 7 to 9 hours per night.

Exercise can help adults suffering from ADHD sleep better. A few minutes of gentle stretching or a deep breathing practice before bed can help relax the body and mind and result in a more peaceful sleep at night.

Exercise

Some individuals who suffer from ADHD struggle to stick with a workout routine. A personal trainer can offer the structure and motivation while incorporating the person's preferred type of exercise into a fitness routine. Aerobic exercise has both mental and physical advantages. Mind-body exercise and strength training like Tai Chi, yoga or breathing exercises could be incorporated into the routine of your day to take an all-encompassing approach to managing ADHD symptoms.

Apart from helping people lose weight and build muscle, exercising can also have other positive effects on the brain, including elevating levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that aids in self-control as well as concentration, and dopamine is a neurotransmitter that boosts levels of norepinephrine. Exercise also increases the development of neurons and improves the connections between them. This is evident particularly in the cerebellum, which is an area which is responsible for the fidgeting of some individuals with ADHD.  a knockout post  has demonstrated that Judo can boost dopamine as well as norepinephrine levels in the cerebellum. This is more than running on the treadmill.

Medications used to treat ADHD can have adverse side effects, including decreased sleep. It is essential that patients discuss their medication with a physician or health professional and establish healthy sleep habits.

Many people with ADHD struggle to fall asleep. Many people with ADHD have difficulty falling asleep.

In my practice, I've found that at about 80 percent of my adult patients who have sleep issues have this pattern. These issues aren't due to ADHD and are a fundamental part of the disorder. It is difficult for people with ADHD to maintain an accurate internal clock, which may be the reason for the difficulty of falling asleep. Additionally they are unable to determine the length of time they've been in the bed. In reality the process of completing a sleep study typically requires several nights of sleep logs, and can be difficult for someone suffering from ADHD to complete accurately.

Sleep Environment

Sleeping well is a challenge for all, but it's especially difficult for those who suffer from ADHD. It can be difficult to relax or fall asleep because of the agitation and racing mind associated with ADD. Additionally, many of the medications used to treat ADHD can have sleep-disrupting effects such as insomnia. Because of this, it is important for individuals suffering from ADHD to maintain good sleep hygiene, set up an established sleep routine, and create a calm and relaxing bedroom environment.

In addition, people with ADD frequently have sleep disorders that may affect their ability to get adequate amounts of restful and restful sleep. Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops intermittently throughout the night, depression, anxiety, and menopausal-related problems such as night sweats are all included. Individuals with ADHD should have their sleep issues evaluated by a medical professional in order to determine the root cause.

Research has shown that individuals with ADHD have a lower quality of sleep than their peers, and are more likely to feel tired and sluggish during the day. This is largely due to the erratic nature of their sleep which can be aggravated by their difficulty regulating their internal circadian clock. However, it is possible that the sleep problems are the result of the effects of medication or comorbid disorders.

Inability to settle to sleep and the frequent awakenings during the night are common for people with ADD, particularly those treated with stimulants. In fact, sleep onset latency and sleep quality are found to be significantly lower in those taking stimulants in comparison to those who are on placebos in certain studies.

Some people find that taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime improves sleep. This should only be done with the advice of a doctor since certain medications can trigger sleep disorders. Other methods to promote sleep, such as progressive muscle relaxation -- where you stretch and release your muscles -- and deep, slow breathing could be beneficial for people with ADHD. It is also a good idea to use your bed only for sleeping or sex and to not use it as a place to discuss issues or to argue.