14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Ask About ADHD Sleep Medication
ADHD and Sleep
Despite popular belief, most ADHD medications do not cause sleep problems. In fact, methylphenidate and long-acting Atomoxetine can help you sleep better.
But adults with ADHD aren't always successful in getting to sleep soundly. They frequently toss and turn, waking often. And even when they do fall asleep, their minds stay active.
Medicines
Sleep problems are reported by a significant number of people with ADHD. These problems are not usually addressed in the scientific literature, but they are quite common. Parents, patients and even clinicians often talk about difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, waking at night, nocturnal activities, and general drowsiness during the day. Objective measures, like polysomnography and actigraphy and subjective measures (eg, self-rated questionnaires and diaries) have demonstrated statistically greater sleep disturbances in those with ADHD compared to controls.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulant class medications. They can help improve focus and concentration, but may interfere with sleeping in certain patients. It is important to identify the primary sleep disorder like narcolepsy prior to taking these medications (Spruyt & Gozal 2011).
Stimulant-class medications can cause a sudden increase in wakefulness and decrease in sleep efficiency. Sleep disturbances could result from a decrease in melatonin production, or directly affecting the nervous system. Certain stimulants may also cause a strange agitation in some individuals, and a result of a sedative effect.
In a randomized controlled study of Ramelteon (an drug that stimulates melatonin and is believed to influence the circadian rhythms), insomnia was found to be improved in patients who suffer from ADHD who were treated with this drug when compared to placebo. This was a small preliminary study, with a limited capacity and only a few control groups, but it will stimulate future research into the dosage and timing, the kind of insomnia, nighttime blood levels and the metabolites of ramelteon.
Clonidine, mirtazapine and trazodone are other medications that have been used for treating insomnia in people suffering from ADHD. However, they aren't as researched and many doctors prefer to avoid them for people with ADHD due to their potential for sedation to the next day.
If a person suffering from ADHD is having trouble with insomnia, the first thing to do is to try practicing good sleep hygiene and taking a the usual ADHD medication 45 minutes before going to bed. In my experience this method is generally effective for the majority of people suffering from ADHD and sleep issues. If this approach doesn't work, you could try a melatonin supplement.
Diet
The kind of food a person eats can have a direct impact on their mood. A diet rich in nutrients and balanced could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms including sleep problems. Foods should be low in processed fat and sugar and high in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fats. Cooking at home is a great way to ensure that one's meals contain all of the essential ingredients needed for a healthy lifestyle however, many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty planning meals and cooking challenging. In these situations it is possible that people rely heavily on take-out or restaurant meals which are high in sodium and artificial ingredients as well as sugar.
People with ADHD struggle to fall asleep at the end of the night. Sleep problems are one of the most frequent complaints of those suffering from ADHD. These sleep issues can lead to lower quality of life as well as an increase in anxiety, depression, stress, and, in women over 40, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.
There are many different causes of sleep issues for those suffering from ADHD, which can be related to the symptoms of the disorder or other factors. Certain medications used to treat ADHD such as methylphenidates can cause sleep problems in certain people. People with ADHD also have smaller pineal glands which could alter the body's circadian rhythm.
To help people with ADHD achieve better sleep, doctors typically recommend an array of treatment options. This can include establishing an established routine for sleeping and enhancing your sleeping environment (such by creating a quiet and dark bedroom) and limiting screen-time before going to bed. Adults should also make sure they get enough sleep, which is usually 7-9 hours a night.
Exercise can help adults with ADHD sleep better. Before going to bed taking a few minutes of gentle stretching and deep breathing exercises can to relax the body and mind. This will lead to a better night's sleep.
Exercise
Certain people with ADHD find it challenging to keep up with a workout routine. A personal trainer can provide discipline, motivation, and accountability while incorporating the individual's preferred method of exercise into a fitness routine. Aerobic exercise can have both physical and mental benefits. Mind-body exercise and strength training like Tai Chi, yoga or breathing exercises can also be added to your daily routine to provide an holistic approach to managing ADHD symptoms.
In addition to helping people shed weight and build muscle, exercising can also have other positive effects on the brain, including raising levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and self-control. Exercise also stimulates the development of neurons and strengthens connections between them. This is particularly evident in the cerebellum, which is an area that is a major cause of fidgeting in those with ADHD. Research has revealed, for instance, that judo can elevate dopamine and norepinephrine within the cerebellum. This is higher than running on the treadmill.
Medications used to treat ADHD can cause adverse side effects, including decreased sleep. This is why it's vital to discuss the person's medication with their physician or health care professional and to establish healthy sleeping habits.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to fall asleep. Many ADHD sufferers struggle to fall asleep.
In my practice, at least 80 percent my adult patients with sleep issues show this pattern. These issues aren't a result of ADHD and are a fundamental part of the disorder. Adults with ADHD might have trouble keeping an accurate internal time which could be a factor in their inability to fall asleep. They also have trouble assessing the amount of time they've spent in their bed. A sleep study requires a regular journal of sleep for a number of nights, which can be difficult for those with ADHD to accurately complete.
Sleep Environment
Getting quality sleep is challenging for all people, but it's even more difficult for people who suffer from ADHD. I Am Psychiatry is because the inherent restlessness and racing thoughts associated with ADD make it difficult to sleep and relax. Many of the medications prescribed to treat ADHD have negative side effects that can disturb sleep, such as insomnia. For these reasons, it is crucial for those with ADHD to maintain good sleep hygiene, establish an established sleep routine and create a peaceful and peaceful bedroom.
In addition, those with ADD frequently have co-occurring sleep disorders that can hinder their ability to get sufficient amounts of restful and restful sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops periodically throughout the night, depression, anxiety, and menopausal-related issues like night sweats can all be included. Sleep problems in people with ADHD should be assessed by a physician to determine the cause.
Research has shown that people who suffer from ADHD have poorer sleep quality than the rest of us and are more likely report feeling exhausted and sluggish throughout the day. This is partly due to their restless sleep and can be exacerbated by their inability to control their internal clock. It is also possible that the sleep issues are the result of medications that cause side effects or comorbid conditions.
People suffering from ADD particularly those who are treated with stimulants, often have difficulty falling asleep and waking up often at night. In fact, sleep onset latency and sleep quality are found to be significantly worse when taking stimulants as compared to those on placebos in some studies.
Some people have found that taking their ADHD medications prior to bedtime can improve sleep. This should be done under the guidance of a doctor since certain medications can trigger sleep disorders. Other methods that promote sleep, like progressive muscle relaxation -- where you stretch and release your muscles - and slow, deep breathing can be beneficial for people with ADHD. It's also an excellent idea to make your bed solely for sex or sleeping and to avoid using it for a place to talk about issues or to argue.