A Good Rant About ADHD Sleep Medication
How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD Sleeping is a challenge for many people with ADHD due to their racing thoughts and nighttime energy surges. If they do manage to fall asleep, it's often restless and unrefreshing. Many people are unaware that the same stimulant medication they take to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night. Medicines Insomnia and restless sleep are common among people with ADHD. Some stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause sleep issues for certain people. The medical community suggests that patients discuss these issues with their doctor prior to trying any new sleeping medication. For the majority of patients, the best course is to practice good hygiene guidelines for sleep and take the appropriate medication for their specific needs. add adhd medications on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep do not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for those with ADHD to experience trouble falling asleep and waking throughout the night. In fact, many who suffer from ADHD have difficulty staying asleep even when not taking stimulant medication. I've observed that two-thirds (or more) of the patients who have trouble sleeping take the dose of their ADHD medication before bed to assist them in falling asleep. MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to reduce the time required for people to fall asleep and improve the length of their sleep (Radcliffe et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation for promoting sleep. Some individuals who suffer from ADHD have trouble falling asleep because of the tingling sensations associated with restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep, and can cause a decrease in the quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007). MPH has been shown to decrease the frequency of insomnia episodes in children with ADHD by reducing the amount of time spent awake at night, increasing slow wave sleep and increasing the rate of rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been shown to reduce sleep disturbances caused by co-morbid disorders like obstructive sleeping apnea, also known as oppositional defiant syndrome in children who suffer from ADHD. Clonidine is a central nerve 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 practitioners also recommend antidepressant medications such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron), both of which have moderate effects on sedation. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in those with ADHD. This type of therapy concentrates on teaching children and adolescents new skills that can lead to better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is usually combined with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to use positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also teaches children to relax and take a more actively in their sleeping routine. A variety of studies show that the majority of children with ADHD have sleep problems, which are frequently related to daytime impairments. Many of them suffer from chronically poor sleep, which contributes to the accumulation of a “sleep debt,” resulting in a difficulty in waking the next morning and a decrease in vigilance during the day. Insufficient sleep can lead to the development of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is linked to a decreased vigilance, concentration, as well as poor academic performance. Adults with ADHD are also prone to having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their functioning throughout the daytime. In addition, most adults report that they feel more restless and unable to put their bodies and minds down at night like people without ADHD do. Often, their restless minds can cause them to awake at night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex and both disorders impact each other in a variety of ways. Numerous studies show that ADHD is a risk factor for sleep issues and in certain instances both disorders could even overlap and mimic one another (Cortese et al. 2006a). Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea and periodic motions of the limbs during sleep (PLMS), have also been linked to the hyperactivity of ADHD. While several studies suggest that ADHD medication can interfere with sleep in some individuals, other reports contradict this assertion. Many factors can influence medication effects on sleep, including the age of the patient before starting pharmacotherapy, duration of exposure to the drug, and the dose of the stimulant. Supplements People suffering from ADHD often have a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to get a restful night's sleep, which can affect their ability to focus during the day. Sleep issues can affect work and school performance. Certain people with ADHD also have sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. These can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Exercise and diet can be helpful, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, because it helps you sleep more soundly. A calming bedtime routine can also be beneficial. Avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant that can cause headaches or difficulty sleeping. Melatonin supplementation can help with sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, which is a common stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been shown to reduce drowsiness and sleep issues in people who take methylphenidate. However it doesn't seem to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also proven to be effective in helping with sleeping in people who do not take methylphenidate. In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Fish as well as walnuts and salmon are all excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is a different supplement that some people with ADHD use however, it should not be taken less than a half hour prior to or after taking ADHD medication. It stops the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream. There is limited evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. However an extract standardized from pine bark known as Pycnogenol has been reported to reduce ADHD symptoms in a few people, however, more research is needed. Psychoeducation, a kind of psychological treatment that educates teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help people who suffer from ADHD feel more comfortable and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation can also include behavioural therapy, which helps people learn to manage their behavior when they are in social situations. The treatments can be performed either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can include group therapy for families as well as support groups to help families cope with the stress that comes from ADHD. Other Options Many people with ADHD are most at their best when they are asleep, especially if the house is quiet. However, racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. In addition, poor sleep can impact working memory and make it harder to focus during the daytime. Researchers have discovered that stimulants can help improve sleep in adults and children with ADHD. However they can also trigger problems with rebound and abuse. Many doctors favor nonstimulants such as long-acting medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine function by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants can take longer to work, but they generally have fewer side consequences. Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or light therapy to help with sleep problems in patients with ADHD. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that helps control the circadian rhythm as well as promotes sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from delayed-sleep syndrome, an insomnia disorder characterized by a delay of at least two hours between the time you typically go to bed and the time you are asleep. Light therapy is a non-pharmacological solution to sleep disorders 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 medical professionals, however it has been shown to be beneficial for those who suffer from ADHD. Other treatments include psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a form of therapy for talking that can help your child or you how to alter certain thinking patterns and behavior. These patterns can be changed to reduce problems with self-control, attention and working memory. It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Each situation is unique, and a personalized strategy will be the most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be cured through good sleep hygiene and medication, but you will need to discuss your particular situation.