A Proficient Rant Concerning ADHD Sleep Medication

How Sleep Medication Can Help People With ADHD

Sleeping is difficult for many people suffering from ADHD due to racing thoughts and energy surges at night. When they do fall asleep it's usually tense and not reviving.

What many people don't know is that the stimulant medication they use to treat their ADHD symptoms during the day may also aid them in sleeping better at night.

Medicines

Insomnia and restless sleep are common among adults with ADHD. For some, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can cause problems with sleep. Medical professionals suggest that patients discuss their concerns with their physician prior to taking any new sleep medication. For most, the best course is to follow good sleep hygiene practices and take the appropriate medication for their specific 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 commonplace that people suffering from ADHD are unable to fall asleep or waking up all night. Many sufferers with ADHD struggle to fall asleep and staying asleep, even though they are not taking stimulant medications. About two-thirds (or more) of my patients who have difficulty sleeping do so by taking their ADHD medication prior to bedtime.

MPH or methylphenidate is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Oral MPH has been demonstrated to reduce the time it takes for individuals to fall asleep, and also increase the length of their sleep (Radcliffe and co. 2008). The efficacy of oral MPH for promoting sleep is higher than that of the transdermal distribution system, or OROS, formulation.

Some individuals who suffer from ADHD are unable to fall asleep because of the tingling sensations caused by restless leg syndrome, or RLS. RLS can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep, and can result in a lower quality of sleep (Lecendreux and Cortese, 2007).

MPH reduces the frequency of insomnia in children with ADHD. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of time awake and increasing the amount of slow wave sleep and reducing rapid eye movement sleep. It has also been found to decrease sleep disturbances resulting from other disorders that are comorbid, such as sleep apnea that is obstructive, oppositional defiant disorder or anxiety in children suffering from ADHD and RLS (Gruber and Sadeh 2004; Breslau et al., 2008; Hvolby et al. (2008)).

Clonidine is a central nervous depressant that is usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It can aid people with ADHD sleep by causing sedation lasting 4 hours. Some physicians also recommend antidepressant drugs such as trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) both of which possess mild sedative effects.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy can improve sleep in those with ADHD. This kind of therapy focuses mostly on teaching teens and children new skills to promote better sleeping habits. Behavioral therapy for ADHD is often paired with classroom training for parents and parent intervention. This kind of therapy helps children and adolescents to employ positive behavior reinforcement instead of punishment. It also helps teach youngsters to relax and take a more active part in their sleep routine.

A number of studies indicate that the majority of children suffering from ADHD have sleep problems that are often caused by daytime issues. Many of these children have chronically poor sleep, which leads to a buildup of a "sleep debt," resulting in a more difficult time getting up the next morning and a lack of concentration throughout the day. Inadequate sleep duration can also result in the condition known as narcolepsy. This sleep disorder is associated with decreased concentration and vigilance as well as academic performance.

Adults with ADHD are also prone to having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. This can have a significant impact on their ability to function during the day. Many adults feel more agitated at night and are unable to shut down their minds and bodies than people without ADHD. In many cases, their anxious minds cause them to awake in the middle of the night.

The relationship between ADHD, and sleep disorders, is a complicated. Both disorders influence each the other in different ways. In a variety of research studies, ADHD is reported as an important risk factor for sleep problems. In some cases both disorders may overlap and mimic each other (Cortese, et al. 2006a). Additionally, sleep disorders, including sleep apnea as well as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), are related to the hyperactivity of ADHD.

While several studies suggest that ADHD medications can impair sleep in some people, other reports contradict this conclusion. The effects of medications on sleep are affected by a variety of factors such as the age of the patient when they begin pharmacotherapy and the time of exposure to the drug.

Supplements

People suffering from ADHD usually suffer from a range of sleep issues, including insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. This makes it difficult for them to achieve a restful sleep, which can affect their ability to focus throughout the daytime. Sleep issues can affect academic performance and work performance. Certain people with ADHD have sleep disorders that are comorbid, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or snoring. These disorders can be addressed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Diet and exercise can be helpful, especially when it is about increasing your protein intake, as this promotes restful sleeping. A calming bedtime routine can also be helpful. Avoid caffeine since it is a stimulant that can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Melatonin can help alleviate sleep disorders caused by methylphenidate, which is a commonly used stimulant to treat ADHD in children and adults. Melatonin has been proven to help with drowsiness, and sleep issues in people who are taking methylphenidate. However, it does not seem to diminish the symptoms of ADHD. Melatonin has also shown promise in helping sleepers who don't take methylphenidate.

In certain studies, omega-3 fatty acids were shown to reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed. Fish such as walnuts, salmon, and fish are excellent sources of omega-3s. Vitamin C is also utilized by some individuals suffering from ADHD, but not less than one hour prior to or following the taking of ADHD medication. It stops the meds from being absorbed into bloodstream.

There is no evidence to suggest that other dietary supplements like iron and zinc, can reduce ADHD symptoms. Pycnogenol is a standard pine bark extract, has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms for some people. However further research is needed.

Psychoeducation, a kind of psychological treatment that educates teens, children and adults about ADHD and its effects, can help those who suffer from ADHD feel more at ease and manage their symptoms. Psychoeducation may also involve behavioural treatment, which helps people control their social behavior. These therapies can be carried out either in a group or on their own. Psychoeducation can also involve family therapy and group support groups which can help families deal with the stress of living with ADHD.

Other Options

Many people suffering from ADHD are at their best when they sleep, particularly if the house is quiet. It can be difficult to get an adequate sleep due to racing thoughts and difficulty falling asleep. Sleep deprivation can also affect your working memory and make it difficult to concentrate.

Research has shown that stimulants can improve sleep quality for some children and adults with ADHD However, they are also a possibility of abuse and rebound symptoms. Many doctors prefer nonstimulants like long-acting drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine, (Adderall). Both methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) function by boosting the levels of dopamine within your brain. They accomplish this through different mechanisms. Nonstimulants may take longer to work however, they typically have less side negative effects.

Some doctors recommend melatonin as a light therapy for patients with ADHD who suffer from sleep issues. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs that regulates the circadian rhythm and encourages sleep. It can be particularly beneficial in those with delayed sleep phase syndrome which is a sleep disorder that results in a delay of two hours or more between the time you normally go to bed and when you actually fall asleep.

Light therapy is a possible alternative to medications for sleep disorders. It involves the body being exposed to bright daylight throughout the day in order to synchronize the internal clock and promote better sleep at night. It is not yet widely used or endorsed by doctors, but it has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with ADHD.

non prescription adhd medication  include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy which can help a child or an adult learn how to modify certain patterns of thought and behavior. The change in these patterns could help to improve self-control, attention, and working memory.

It is important to talk with 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, but you'll need to discuss the specifics of your situation.