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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 energy surges at night. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless and not reviving. But what many don't realize is that the stimulant medication that they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day can also help them sleep better at night. Medicines Many adults with ADHD struggle to shut down their brains at night, leading to insomnia and a lack of sleep. For some, stimulant medication used to treat their ADHD can cause problems with sleep. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor before trying any new sleeping medication. Most people will find that the best approach to manage their sleep is to take the right medication and follow good habits of sleep hygiene. Insomnia isn't listed as a typical adverse effect in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people suffering from ADHD are unable to fall asleep or staying awake all night. Many sufferers with ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, even though they are not taking stimulant drugs. I have observed that around two-thirds of patients in my practice who are trouble sleeping take an dose of their ADHD medication at bedtime to aid in falling asleep. MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. MPH oral has been proven to reduce the time required for individuals to fall asleep, and also increase their duration of deep sleep (Radcliffe et al., 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH to promote sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, also known as OROS formulation. RLS or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can lead to difficulties falling asleep in people suffering from ADHD. RLS can cause difficulty for some people to fall asleep and may result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese 2007). MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children suffering from ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing sleep at night and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been found to reduce sleep disturbances due to other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea that is obstructive, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al. 2008). Clonidine is a central nerve depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help those with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some practitioners recommend antidepressants such as trazodone (Desyrel), or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have mild effects on sedation. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and adolescents new skills that can lead to better sleep habits. Behavioral therapy is often integrated with other types of treatment for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and teens to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also teaches children to relax and take a more actively in their sleep routine. Numerous studies have shown that the majority of children suffering from ADHD have sleep problems, which are frequently associated with daytime impairments. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to a buildup of a “sleep debt,” resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next morning and a lack of sustained concentration throughout the daytime. Insufficient sleep can lead to the development of a sleep disorder dubbed narcolepsy, which is linked to decreased vigilance and concentration and poor academic performance. Adults suffering from ADHD are also prone to having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their functioning during the daytime. Many adults complain of feeling more agitated at night and are in a position to not be able to shut off their bodies and minds more than those who do not have ADHD. Their agitated minds often make them wake during the night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated and both disorders can affect one another in different ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping problems. In certain instances, these two disorders can overlap and be akin to each other (Cortese and co. 2006a). Additionally sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently connected to the hyperactivity of ADHD. While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some people however, other studies contradict this conclusion. The effects of medications on sleep can be affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the medication. Supplements People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, such as insomnia and trouble falling asleep. concerta adhd medication makes it difficult to get restful sleep, which affects their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These conditions can be treated by taking medication and making lifestyle modifications. Exercise and diet can be beneficial, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. It's important to avoid caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping. Melatonin can help alleviate sleep issues caused by methylphenidate, a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been shown to alleviate drowsiness and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate. In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were proven to decrease ADHD symptoms. However, more research is required. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are all excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people with ADHD however, not less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from absorbing in the bloodstream. There is limited evidence that other supplements in the diet like iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol, a standardized pine bark extract, has been reported to decrease ADHD symptoms for some people. However, more research is required. Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that seeks to inform children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its effects. It can help people who suffer from ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioral therapy, which can help people control their behavior in social situations. These therapies can be offered individually or in groups. Psychoeducation can involve group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from ADHD. Other Options Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best during night, when the house is peaceful and the noise level is low. It can be difficult to get a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. Additionally, a lack of sleep can affect memory and make it harder to concentrate throughout the daytime. how does medication for adhd work have shown that stimulants can improve sleep for some adults and children with ADHD however, they also carry the risk of abuse and rebound symptoms. So many doctors prefer using nonstimulants, especially long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate as well as dextroamphetamine operate by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer time to effect however, they have fewer adverse effects. Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients suffering from ADHD who suffer from sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also aids in promoting sleep. It can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and the time you actually fall asleep. Light therapy is a non-pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances that involves exposure to bright light throughout the day to help synchronize the body's internal clock and promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It isn't yet widely accessible or recommended by doctors, but it has been proven to be beneficial for people who suffer from ADHD. Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a type of therapy for talking which can teach your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behaviors. The change in these patterns could help to improve self-control, attention, and working memory. It is important to talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. Every situation is different, and a personalized plan will be most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be treated by a healthy sleep routine and medications, however you will need to discuss your particular situation.