Why We Do We Love ADHD Sleep Medication (And You Should, Too!)

ADHD and Sleep

Despite popular belief, most ADHD medications do not cause sleep problems. In fact, methylphenidate or the long-acting Atomoxetine may improve sleep.

But people with ADHD may have difficulty getting restful sleep. They move around and toss, waking up frequently. And even when they do fall asleep, their minds stay alert.

Medicines

A significant number of adults suffering from ADHD report sleep problems. While the literature on ADHD does not usually address these issues, they are reported to be common. Clinicians, patients and parents often describe difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, night awakenings or nocturnal activity as well as sleepiness throughout the day. Objective measures such as polysomnography, ACTIgraphy, and subjective measures such as self-rated questionnaires or diaries have demonstrated statistically higher sleep problems among those with ADHD than those who are not.

The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant-class medications that increase focus and concentration but can cause sleep disturbances in certain patients. It is crucial to identify the primary sleep disorder such as narcolepsy prior to taking these drugs (Spruyt & Gozal 2011,).

Stimulant-class medications can cause an abrupt increase in wakefulness, and a decrease in the effectiveness of sleep. The sleep disturbances could be caused by a reduction in the production of melatonin, or directly affecting the nervous system. Certain stimulants may also cause a strange agitation in some individuals, and a effects of sedation.

In a randomized controlled study of Ramelteon (an agent that activates melatonin and is believed to influence the circadian rhythms), insomnia was found to be reduced in those who suffer from ADHD who were treated with this medication as opposed to a placebo. This was a small preliminary study with limited capacity and only a few control groups, but it will stimulate future research into dosing and timing, types of insomnia, daytime blood levels and ramelteon's metabolites.

Clonidine, mirtazapine, and trazodone are other medications that have been used in the treatment of insomnia among some people with ADHD. These drugs aren't as extensively studied, and many clinicians are hesitant to prescribe them to patients with ADHD because of their potential for sedation the next day.

If someone with ADHD suffers from insomnia, they should attempt to improve their sleeping habits. They should also take their ADHD medication at least 45 minutes prior to the time of bed. This strategy has proven successful in my experience for a majority of people with sleep issues and ADHD. If it doesn't work for you, the melatonin supplement may be tried.

Diet

The kind of food people consume can have an impact on their mood. A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms that are that are related to sleep. Foods that are low in sugar, processed fat and high in nutrients, including fruits, vegetables and lean proteins should be consumed. Whole grains and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids should be a part of the diet. Cooking at home is a great way to ensure that one's meals contain all of the essential ingredients required for good health however, many people with ADHD find meal planning and cooking challenging. In these situations, people may rely heavily on restaurant and take-out meals which are high in sodium, artificial ingredients, and sugar.

People with ADHD have difficulty falling asleep at late at night. Sleep problems are one of the most common complaints among those suffering from ADHD. These sleep problems can cause lower quality of life as well as increased anxiety, depression, stress and, in women over 40, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.

There are many different causes of sleep issues for people suffering from ADHD that could be due to the symptoms of the disorder or other factors. Certain medications that treat ADHD like methylphenidates could cause sleep issues in some people. People suffering from ADHD also tend to have smaller pineal glands, which can affect the body's circadian rhythm.

To help people with ADHD achieve better sleep Doctors typically suggest the use of a variety of treatment options. This includes creating an established routine for sleeping, optimizing your sleeping environment (such the creation of a dark and quiet bedroom) and limiting the time you spend on your computer before going to the bed. It is also crucial for adults to prioritize sufficient sleep, which typically is 7 to 9 hours per night.

In addition to dietary changes, exercise can aid in sleep for adults suffering from ADHD. A few minutes of gentle stretching or a deep breathing practice before bed can help relax the body and mind which can ensure a more peaceful sleep at night.

Exercise

Certain people with ADHD struggle to stick to a regular workout routine. A personal trainer can provide the structure as well as motivation and accountability while incorporating the individual's preferred exercise into a fitness routine. Integrating aerobic exercise into your daily routine could give physical and mental benefits. Additionally adding strength training and mind-body exercises like yoga, tai chi or breathing exercises can provide an holistic approach to managing ADHD symptoms, enhancing mental function, emotional well-being, and self-regulation.

In addition to helping people shed weight and build muscle mass, exercise has other beneficial effects on the brain, such as increasing levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that helps with self-control and concentration and dopamine is a neurotransmitter which increases levels of norepinephrine. Exercise increases the development of neurons and improves their connections. This is evident particularly in the cerebellum - an area that can cause a fidgeting pattern in ADHD individuals. Research has shown that, for instance, judo can elevate dopamine and norepinephrine in the cerebellum. This is higher than running on a treadmill.

Medications used to treat ADHD can have adverse side effects, including decreased sleep. It's important that a person talk about their medication with a doctor or health professional and establish healthy sleeping habits.

Many people with ADHD have difficulty falling asleep. Many ADHD sufferers have trouble falling asleep.

In my practice at least 80 percent of my adult patients with sleep disorders exhibit this pattern. These disturbances aren't just a result of ADHD and are an integral part of the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining an accurate internal time, which could be a contributing factor in their difficulty falling asleep. In addition they are unable to determine how long they have been in their bed. A sleep study requires a daily journal of sleep for a number of nights, which can be difficult for people with ADHD to accurately complete.

Sleep Environment

It is difficult for everyone to get a good night's sleep, but it is particularly difficult for those suffering from ADHD. It can be difficult to fall asleep or relax due to the anxiety and racing mind associated with ADD. Furthermore, a lot of drugs used to treat ADHD can cause sleep-disrupting side effects, such as insomnia. It is therefore important that those suffering from ADHD practice good sleep hygiene and adhere to a regular routine. They should also set up an unwinding, tranquil bedroom environment.

In addition, those with ADD often have sleep disorders that may affect their ability to get sufficient amounts of restful and restful sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops periodically during the night, depression, anxiety, and menopausal-related problems such as night sweats could all be included.  Full Write-up  in those with ADHD should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause.

Research has shown that people with ADHD have poorer sleep quality than other people and are more likely report feeling exhausted and sluggish throughout the day. This may be due to their sleeplessness that may be caused by their inability to control their internal clock. It is also possible that the sleep problems are a result of medications that cause side effects or comorbid disorders.

Inability to settle to sleep and the frequent awakenings in the night are not uncommon for those with ADD, particularly those who are treated with stimulants. In some studies, the onset of sleep delay and the efficiency of sleep of those who took stimulants were significantly lower than those who took placebos.

Despite this, some people discover that taking their ADHD medication before bedtime can help improve sleep. However, this should be done under the guidance of a doctor, as certain sleep disorders may be exacerbated by certain medications. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from other sleep-promoting techniques like progressive muscular relaxation (in which you tensen your muscles before releasing them) and slow, deep breaths. It's important not to make use of your bed for anything other than sex or sleeping.