People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also experience sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and changes in the circadian rhythm.
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Researchers are not sure exactly why ADHD and sleep disorders commonly occur together. However, factors such as ADHD medication side effects and certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and restlessness, may play a role in sleep disturbances.
This article looks at the sleep disorders a person with ADHD may experience, the causes of sleep problems in people with ADHD, and potential treatment options, including tips for improving sleep and when to contact a doctor.
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Several sleep conditions may occur in people with ADHD.
Insomnia
According to a 2017 research review, the prevalence of insomnia in adults with ADHD is 43–80%.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Adults and children with ADHD
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
People with SDB have abnormal patterns of respiration during sleep. A common type of SDB is obstructive sleep apnea, which causes partial or total obstruction of the upper airway.
In a 2019 study involving 194 people at a sleep center, researchers found that around
In sleep apnea, a person’s breathing frequently stops and starts during sleep, which can restrict oxygen and cause poor-quality sleep. This
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that causes people to feel excessively sleepy during the day and experience fragmented sleep at night.
Research suggests that adults with narcolepsy may be
RLS
People with RLS experience uncomfortable sensations in their legs or other body parts and an urge to move their legs, especially at bedtime. The need to move around and the accompanying discomfort can cause restlessness and sleep disruption.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
People with ADHD may
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the circadian rhythm is typically aligned with the day-night cycle. It follows a biological process in which the body releases the sleep hormone melatonin at night.
This helps a person feel sleepy at night and more alert in the morning, as melatonin production slows with light exposure. However, people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders may not share this experience.
Researchers do not know the causes of sleep disorders in people with ADHD. However, they believe various aspects of ADHD may contribute to sleep problems.
Neurotransmitter dysregulation
Some research associates ADHD with the dysregulation of neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine.
These neurotransmitters affect arousal and attention. An imbalance in their functioning may play a role in ADHD and cause sleep disturbances.
Researchers also believe there
They suggest that dysregulation of both noradrenaline and dopamine underlies ADHD and causes changes to REM sleep similarly to narcolepsy.
Difficulty settling down
People with ADHD
Genetic changes
People with ADHD
Changes in these genes may make it biologically more difficult for people to settle down and sleep in the evening, as their circadian rhythm may function differently.
Stimulant medication
Methylphenidate treatments for ADHD, such as Ritalin and Concerta, are stimulant medications that increase mental alertness. Sleep difficulties are the most common side effect of this type of medication.
Potential causes not related to ADHD
Factors unrelated to ADHD that could influence sleep quality include:
- use of caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bed
- consumption of heavy meals before bed
- inadequate sleep hygiene
- an irregular schedule
- aging
- certain medications
- mental health conditions such as anxiety
- medical conditions such as nerve disorders, muscle pain, and heart disease
To treat specific sleep conditions, doctors may prescribe medication or therapies such as:
- a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat sleep apnea
- bright light therapy in the morning to help regulate the circadian rhythm
- prescription sleep medication
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help a person change their attitudes and behaviors around sleep
- prescription stimulant medications such as Modafinil, antidepressants, and other medications for narcolepsy
A doctor may also recommend lifestyle habits to help a person with ADHD build a routine and sleep better at night, such as getting enough physical activity each day.
The following strategies may help a person improve their sleep quality:
- keeping the sleeping environment dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature
- maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- using relaxation techniques before bedtime
- avoiding heavy meals before bedtime
- avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine close to bedtime
- keeping screens out of the bedroom
If lifestyle strategies and sleep hygiene habits do not improve a person’s sleep difficulties, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
If a person thinks they have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, RLS, or insomnia, they should contact a doctor, as prolonged poor-quality sleep
ADHD and sleep disorders may occur together. Examples of sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, RLS, sleep apnea, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
A doctor may treat sleep disorders with medication, a CPAP machine, CBT, or bright light therapy.
However, lifestyle strategies may also help a person with ADHD sleep better. These can include practicing good sleep hygiene and avoiding certain activities close to bedtime, such as smoking and consuming alcohol.