A Productive Rant About ADHD Sleep Medication
How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD
Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges that make it difficult to fall asleep. If they do get to sleep it's usually tense and unrefreshing.
But what people don't realize is that the same stimulant medication they take for their ADHD symptoms during the day can also aid them in sleeping better at night.
Medicines
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to shut off their minds at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. For some, stimulant medication that are used to treat ADHD can lead to issues with sleep. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their physician prior to attempting any new sleep medication. For the majority of patients, the best course is to follow good practices for sleeping hygiene and take the appropriate medication to meet their needs.
Insomnia is not listed as a typical condition in the majority of scientific literature about the effects of ADHD medication on sleep. However it is a common occurrence that people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep or waking all night. In fact, many people who suffer from ADHD have trouble sleeping even when they are not taking stimulant medication. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who struggle with sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication before bedtime.
The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, also called ADD or MPH. MPH oral was found to increase the duration of deep sleep and to reduce the time required to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). The effectiveness of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal delivery system OROS, or OROS formulation.
Certain people with ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it difficult for certain people to fall asleep and may cause a poorer quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).
MPH has been found to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by decreasing the amount of time awake at night, increasing slow wave sleep and increasing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been proven to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from comorbid disorders such as sleep apnea that is obstructive and oppositional defiant disorder, as well as anxiety in children with ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al. 2008; Hvolby et al. (2008)).
Clonidine is a central nervous system depressant, which is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, is used to help those suffering from ADHD sleep by causing sedation that lasts four hours. Some physicians also recommend 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 people who have ADHD. This type of therapy focuses primarily on teaching children and teens new techniques to help them develop better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy is often combined with other treatments for ADHD including classes and parent training. This kind of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also teaches children to relax and take a more active part in their sleeping routine.
A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD have sleep problems that are frequently caused by daytime issues. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which leads to the accumulation of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next day and a lack of sustained concentration throughout the day. A lack of sleep causes the development of a sleep disorder called Narcolepsy, which is connected to a decreased vigilance, concentration as well as poor academic performance.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are also prone to having difficulty falling and staying asleep, which can be a major influence on their daytime performance. In addition, most adults are more agitated and unable to put their bodies and minds to sleep than people without ADHD do. Their anxious minds can make them wake at night.
The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders is complex. Both disorders impact each one in different ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is an important risk factor for sleep problems and, in some instances the two disorders might even overlap and mimic one another (Cortese et al. 2006a). In addition, sleep disorders, including apnea and limb movements that occur periodically in sleep (PLMS) are frequently related to the hyperactivity of ADHD.
While some studies suggest ADHD medication can affect sleep, others contradict this assertion. Different factors can affect the effects of medication on sleep, such as the age of the patient at the time of beginning pharmacotherapy, the length of drug exposure, and the dose of the stimulant.
Supplements
People suffering from ADHD are frequently plagued by sleep issues like insomnia and difficulties getting to sleep. This makes it hard to sleep soundly which can hinder their ability to focus throughout the day. Sleep issues can interfere with academic performance and work performance. Many people with ADHD also have sleep issues such as snoring or obstructive sleeping apnea. These conditions can be treated by medication and lifestyle modifications.
Diet and exercise can help, especially in terms of increasing the amount of protein consumed which can promote restful sleep. A relaxing bedtime routine is also helpful. Avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or trouble sleeping.
Melatonin can help with sleep issues caused by methylphenidate. This is a well-known stimulant used to treat ADHD as well as in children as well as adults. Several studies have shown that melatonin can help with insomnia and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate, though it doesn't seem to reduce core ADHD symptoms. Melatonin is also a promising option for helping people sleep who don't take methylphenidate.
In certain studies, omega-3 fat acids were found to reduce ADHD symptoms. However buy adhd medication uk is needed. Omega-3s are present in walnuts, fish, and salmon. Vitamin C is a different supplement that some people with ADHD utilize however, it is not recommended to take it less than an hour prior to or after taking ADHD medications. Vitamin C prevents the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
There is no evidence that suggests that other dietary supplementation, such as zinc and iron, could reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been found to help improve ADHD symptoms in a few individuals, however more research is needed.
Psychoeducation is a treatment for psychological issues that is designed to educate children, teens, and adults on ADHD and its consequences. It can help people with ADHD improve their confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also include the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people control their social behavior. These therapies can be offered individually or in groups. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups, which can help families cope with the stress of living with ADHD.
Other Options
Many people with ADHD are at their best when they sleep, particularly when the house is quiet. However, racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's rest. Sleep deprivation can also affect working memory and make it difficult to concentrate.
Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep for adults and children with ADHD. However, they can also cause adverse effects and misuse. Thus many doctors prefer to use non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. They accomplish this by a variety of mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to work, but have fewer side-effects.
Some doctors also recommend supplementing with melatonin or light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep. It is particularly helpful in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome, a sleep disorder that causes a delay of 2 hours or more between your normal bedtime and when you actually fall asleep.
Light therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment to sleep disorders that involves exposure to bright light during the day to help synchronize your body's internal clock to promote a more peaceful sleep at night. It's not widely available and doctors do not endorse it, however it has been proven to be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD.
Other treatments include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that can help a child or an adult learn how to change certain thoughts and behaviors. The change in these patterns could help to improve self-control, attention and working memory.
It's important to speak with your healthcare professional about the best treatment plan for you or your child. A tailored treatment plan is the most efficient. Each situation is different. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured by a healthy sleep routine and medications, however you'll need to talk about your particular situation.