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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD Many people who suffer from ADHD experience racing thoughts and energy surges that make it difficult to fall asleep. When they do sleep, it is often restless and unrefreshing. Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night. Medicines Restless sleep and insomnia are common among people with ADHD. For some, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to taking any new sleeping medications. For the majority of patients the time, the best option is to follow good sleep hygiene practices and use the right medication for their needs. Insomnia isn't listed as a common adverse effect in the majority of studies on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep or staying awake all night. In fact, many people with ADHD struggle to sleep even if they're not taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds (or more) of the patients who have trouble sleeping take a dose of their ADHD medication prior to bedtime to help them fall asleep. MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH was shown to extend the duration of deep sleep and decrease the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for improving sleep. Some individuals who suffer from ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep and could result in less quality sleep. MPH can reduce the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. It does this by decreasing the time spent awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep, and decreasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances resulting from comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in some 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 people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some doctors also suggest antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have moderate sedative effects. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses primarily on teaching teens and children new skills that will help improve their sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with parent training and classroom intervention. This kind of therapy teaches children and teens to reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing them. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and take a more active part in their own sleep routine. Numerous studies have revealed that children suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience sleep problems. These issues are typically associated with daytime impairments. Many of these kids have chronically poor sleep that contributes to “sleep deficiency” and makes it more difficult to get up in the morning. They also have trouble maintaining vigilance throughout the day. Insufficient sleep can lead to narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is correlated with lower concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance. Adults who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to having trouble falling and staying asleep, which can have a significant impact on their daytime functioning. Many adults report feeling more restless at night and are unable to shut down their minds and bodies than people without ADHD. Often, their restless minds cause them to wake up during the night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex and both disorders impact each other in multiple ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep issues. In some instances, these two disorders can overlap and be akin to one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, such as apnea or periodic movement of the limbs in sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD. While some studies suggest ADHD medication may affect sleep, others contradict this conclusion. Various factors can affect the effects of medications on sleep, including the age of the patient before starting pharmacotherapy, the duration of exposure to the drug and the dose of the stimulant. Supplements People suffering from ADHD are frequently plagued by sleep issues such as insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it hard to get a restful sleep which may affect their ability to focus during the daytime. These sleep issues can impact work and school performance. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. These disorders can be addressed with medication and lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise can be helpful, especially when it involves increasing your protein intake as this promotes restful sleeping. A peaceful routine at bedtime is also beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping. Melatonin is a sleep aid that can ease issues caused by methylphenidate. It is a popular stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. Melatonin has been shown to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in those who are taking methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in assisting with sleep for those who don't take methylphenidate. In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were proven to reduce ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are some excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a different supplement that some people with ADHD use however it is not recommended to take it less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. Vitamin C prevents the medication from getting 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. Pycnogenol is a standard pine bark extract, has been reported to decrease ADHD symptoms for some people. However, more research is required. adhd otc medication , a form of psychotherapy that teaches teens, children and adults about ADHD and its consequences, can help people suffering from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people learn to control their behavior in social situations. These treatments can be done individually or in a group. Psychoeducation may also include groups of support and family therapy groups which can help families cope with the stress of living with ADHD. Other Options Many people suffering from ADHD are most productive when they sleep, especially when the house is quiet. It can be difficult to get a restful night's sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. A lack of sleep can affect working memory, making it difficult to focus. Researchers have discovered that stimulants can improve sleep for adults as well as children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the levels of dopamine within your brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to act and have less side-effects. Some experts also suggest supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps control the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that results in a delay of two hours or more between your normal bedtime and when 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 your 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 shown to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Other options include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a kind of talk therapy that can teach your child or you how to alter certain patterns of thinking and behavior. These patterns can be altered to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory. It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about what the best treatment strategy is for you or your children. A personalized treatment plan is the most effective. Every situation is unique. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured by a healthy sleep routine and medication, but you'll need to discuss your specific case.