11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your ADHD Sleep Medication
How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people suffering from ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spurts that make it hard to fall asleep. When they do sleep it's often a struggle to sleep and not reviving.
Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also aid in sleeping at night.
Medications
Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults suffering from ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep problems for certain people. Medical experts recommend that patients discuss their concerns with their doctor prior to trying any new sleep medication. The majority of people will discover that the best way to control their sleep is to use the correct medication and maintain good routines for sleeping.
Insomnia isn't listed as a typical side effect in most research papers on the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is commonplace that people with ADHD have trouble falling asleep or staying awake throughout the night. Many sufferers with ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, even though they are not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping take their ADHD medication prior to the time they go to bed.
The most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is methylphenidate, also called ADD or MPH. MPH oral was found to extend the duration of deep sleep and decrease the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). adhd otc medication of oral MPH to promote sleep is higher than the transdermal delivery system OROS, also known as OROS, formulation.
RLS, or restless leg syndrome (RLS) can lead to difficulties in falling asleep for people with ADHD. RLS can make it hard for some people to go to sleep and may lead to a lower quality of sleep.
MPH has been proven to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time awake at night, improving slow wave sleep and increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from co-occurring disorders like 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, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some doctors recommend antidepressants like trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine, (Remeron) both of which have mild effects on sedation.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy can improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that will promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often paired with other treatments for ADHD, such as teacher training and classroom interventions. This kind of therapy teaches children and adolescents to employ positive reinforcement for behavior instead of punishment. It also helps young people to relax and play a more active part in their sleeping routine.
Numerous studies have revealed that children with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep issues. These issues are usually caused by daytime issues. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, leading to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the day. Insufficient sleep can result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration and vigilance. It also affects academic performance.
Adults with ADHD can also have difficulty sleeping and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning throughout the daytime. Additionally, many adults say they are more agitated and unable to shut their minds and bodies down at night than other people with ADHD do. Their anxious minds can cause them to awaken during the night.
The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complicated and both disorders can affect each other in a variety of ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep issues. In certain instances both disorders may overlap and be similar to one another (Cortese and co. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like apnea, or periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS) are also known to have been associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While a variety of studies suggest ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some individuals, other reports contradict this finding. Many factors can influence medication effects on sleep, including the age of the patient at the time of starting pharmacotherapy, duration of exposure to drugs 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 can make it difficult for them to get a restful sleep which may affect their ability to focus during the day. These sleep issues can hinder the performance at work and school. Some people with ADHD have comorbid sleep disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea or snoring. These disorders can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes.
Diet and exercise can be beneficial, particularly when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. It is essential to avoid caffeine which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in both adults and children. Melatonin has been found to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate. However it isn't able to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin also has shown promise in assisting with sleeping in people who do not take methylphenidate.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few studies, but more research is needed. Omega-3s can be found in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is also used by some people suffering from ADHD but not less than a half hour before or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence that suggests that other supplements to diet, like zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However, a standardized extract of pine bark called Pycnogenol has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms in certain people, but more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a form of therapy that aims to educate teens, children, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can help those with ADHD gain more confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include behavioural treatment, which helps people control their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be provided in groups or individually. Psychoeducation can also involve groups of support and family therapy groups that can assist families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD have the best mood at the night, when the house is peaceful and distractions are low. However racing thoughts and issues getting to sleep can make it difficult to get a restful night's rest. Poor sleep can also affect your working memory, making it difficult to focus.
Studies have shown that stimulants can improve the quality of sleep for children and adults with ADHD However, they come with the danger of abuse and rebound symptoms. Therefore, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) work by increasing the dopamine levels in your brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to take effect, but they generally have fewer side consequences.
Some experts recommend melatonin or light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It may be especially helpful for people suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which 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 disorders that requires exposure to bright light during the day to synchronize the body's internal clock to promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors do not endorse it, but it has shown to be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include psychoeducation as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which is a type of therapy for talking that can teach your child or yourself how to alter certain thinking patterns and behaviors. Changes in these patterns can help reduce problems with self-control, attention, and working memory.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A customized treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is different. Good sleep hygiene practices and medication can help improve both ADHD and sleep disorders However, you'll need to discuss the particulars of your situation.