Sleep

What Are Sleep Disturbances?

Children and adults diagnosed with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions may also experience problems sleeping. These often include problems falling asleep at night, frequent awakening at night, trouble waking up in the morning, and difficulty maintaining alertness during the day. Studies have consistently shown that higher rates of sleep disorders occur among children with ADHD. The onset of sleep disturbances associated can vary but they generally appear around adolescence.

What Causes Sleep Difficulties?

Difficulties sleeping may be uniquely related to an individual’s AD/HD or related to another co-existing disorder (e.g anxiety). Additionally sleep difficulties can be the result of stimulant medication. Whatever the cause of the disrupted sleep it is important to get it under control.

Tips For A Good Nights Sleep

Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of certain conditions, reducing an individual’s ability to cope with stress and maintain focus during the day. The National Sleep Foundation has tips to help children and adults sleep, making for conditions such as ADHD more manageable. Some examples of these tips are as follows.

• Maintain a regular bed and wake schedule, even on weekends
• Avoid all caffeine products late afternoon onwards.
• Restrict the use of the bed for sleeping only and avoid having children watch television or videos before bedtime.
• Set a realistic bedtime and stick to it.
• Pay attention to the sleeping environment.  Darkness, quiet, and a cool temperature.
• Minimize potential interruptions, such as outside noise.
• Keep televisions, computers, videogames and other electronic equipment out of the bedroom.
• Do plenty of exercise, keeping it to a minimum of three hours before bed time.
• Small snacks close to bedtime can ease hunger pangs, but heavy meals can inhibit sleep.
• Establish a routine and find time to relax and unwind.
•  Discuss any side effects of medications that could impact the quantity or quality of sleep.