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How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD Many people with ADHD have racing thoughts and nighttime energy spikes that make it hard to fall asleep. When they do fall asleep it's usually tense and not reviving. Many people don't know that the same stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms can also help them sleep at night. Medicines Many people with ADHD struggle to shut down their minds at night which can lead to insomnia and restless sleep. Certain stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can lead to problems with sleep. Medical professionals advise that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to attempting any new sleeping medications. For the majority of patients, the best course is to practice good practices for sleeping hygiene and take the appropriate medication for their needs. Most scientific literature on the effects of ADHD medications on sleep does not mention insomnia as a side effect, but it's common for people with ADHD to experience trouble sleeping and then waking up throughout the night. In reality, many people who suffer from ADHD have trouble sleeping even if they're 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 medication for ADHD is methylphenidate, also known as ADD or MPH. Oral MPH was shown to increase the length of sleep and to reduce the time needed to fall asleep (Radcliffe, et al. 2008). Oral MPH is more effective than OROS formulation in promoting sleep. Certain people who suffer from ADHD struggle to fall asleep due to 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 proven to decrease the frequency of insomnia-related episodes in children with ADHD by reducing 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 that are caused by comorbid disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or oppositional disorder in children who suffer from ADHD. Clonidine is a central depressant, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can help those with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting four hours. Some practitioners also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which have modest effects on sedation. Behavioral Therapy Behavioral therapy can help improve sleep for people with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses on teaching children and teens new skills that can lead to better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often combined with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This type of therapy teaches youngsters and adolescents to utilize positive reinforcement of behavior instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and play a more active part in their sleep routine. Numerous studies have revealed that children with ADHD are more likely to experience problems with sleep. These issues are typically caused by daytime issues. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, leading to a buildup of a “sleep debt,” resulting in a more difficult time waking up the next day and a decrease in vigilance during the daytime. Inadequate sleep duration can also result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is linked to decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance. Adults suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a major impact on their performance throughout the daytime. Most adults also report feeling more restless at night and being in a position to not be able to shut down their minds and bodies as well as those without ADHD. Their restless minds often cause them to awaken at night. The relationship between ADHD and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders affect each other in different ways. In numerous research studies, ADHD is reported as a risk factor for sleeping problems. In some instances both disorders may overlap and be similar to one another (Cortese, et al. 2006a). In addition sleep disorders, such as apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are frequently associated with the hyperactivity of ADHD. Although a number of studies suggest that ADHD medications can affect sleep in some people however, other studies contradict this finding. Many factors can influence the effects of medications 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 with ADHD often have a variety of 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 day. Sleep issues can affect the performance at work and school. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid like obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These conditions can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications. Diet and exercise can help particularly when it comes to increasing protein intake that promotes peaceful sleep. A relaxing routine at bedtime is also beneficial. It is essential to avoid caffeine, which is a stimulant, and can cause headaches as well as trouble sleeping. Taking melatonin may help improve sleep problems caused by methylphenidate, which is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in adults and children. Melatonin has been found to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in those who take methylphenidate. However it isn't able to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping people sleep who do not take methylphenidate. In some studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to decrease ADHD symptoms. However there is more research to be done. Omega-3s are found in walnuts, fish and salmon. Vitamin C is also utilized by some people suffering from ADHD, but not less than a half hour prior to or following the taking of ADHD medication. It prevents the medication from being absorbed into the bloodstream. There is limited evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation, such as iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract, has been shown to decrease ADHD symptoms in some people. However, more research is required. Psychoeducation is a psychological treatment that is designed to educate teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects. It can assist people with ADHD gain more confidence and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve the treatment of behavioural issues, which helps people learn to control their behavior in social situations. The treatments can be performed either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can also involve groups of support and family therapy groups that can assist families cope with the stress of living with ADHD. Other Options Many people with ADHD are at their best during the night, when the house is quiet and distractions are low. It isn't easy to fall asleep. an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulties falling asleep. Sleep deprivation can also affect working memory and make it difficult to focus. Studies have proven that stimulants can improve sleep for children and adults with ADHD However, they also carry the danger of abuse and rebound symptoms. So, many doctors prefer using non-stimulants, particularly long-acting drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are able to increase the dopamine levels in your brain. They do this by different mechanisms. Nonstimulants take longer to work, but have fewer side-effects. Some doctors also recommend taking melatonin supplements or using light therapy to aid in sleep issues in patients suffering from ADHD. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced naturally by the body, aids in regulating the circadian rhythm. It also promotes sleep. It could be particularly beneficial for those with delayed-sleep phase syndrome, which is a sleep disorder that is characterized by the presence of a delay of at most two hours between the time you typically go to bed and the time you are asleep. Light therapy is a viable alternative to medication for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright daylight throughout the day to synchronize its internal clock and help promote better sleep at night. It's not widely accessible and doctors are not recommending it, however it has been proven 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 kind of talk therapy that can help you or your child how to alter certain patterns of thinking and behavior. These patterns can be changed to help improve problems with focus, self-control and working memory. It is important to talk with your healthcare professional regarding the best treatment plan for you or your child. Recommended Internet site is unique, and a personalized plan will be most efficient. Both ADHD and sleep disorders can be improved through good sleep hygiene and medications, however you'll need to discuss your specific situation.