Children with ADHD commonly experience sleep problems like difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and shorter REM sleep, which can worsen ADHD symptoms; a consistent sleep schedule and calming bedtime routines are often recommended.
Sleep disturbances are common and concerning for kids dealing with ADHD. These disturbances include difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently, short sleep duration, frequent awakenings, and problems with sleep timing (major changes in sleep times and sleep duration from one night to another).
Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Furthermore, Vitalo360 experts note that sleep deprivation can affect a child’s ability to learn—basically, making the effects of ADHD worse.
Study Details
A study led by Dr. Ruth Gruber from McGill University in Canada, used wearable devices that were taken from the sleep experts and monitored the kids’ sleep patterns in their homes. The study did not involve any medication. The study examined 15 children between the ages of 7-11 who were diagnosed with ADHD and 23 children who were not.
The study aimed to examine the amount of time children spend asleep and what time they usually sleep, as well as how much time they are in REM sleep (the deep sleep phase characterized by rapid eye movements and high brain and physiological activity).
Parents were asked to keep a record of their children’s sleep disturbances, including things like fear of the dark, fear of monsters, fear of leaving, or anxiety in general.
Causes of ADHD and hyperactivity, causes, and treatments of ADHD.
Study Results
The study results showed that children with ADHD sleep on average half an hour less and spend 15 minutes less in REM sleep. For kids with ADHD, the total time they were asleep was shorter, they woke up more often than those in the control group, and their total sleep time was shorter.
The recommendation for anyone struggling with sleep issues is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule at a fixed time for 6-8 hours nightly. Parents should prioritize their children’s sleep schedule and ensure:
- Setting a bedtime routine (preferably after dinner).
- Bedtime routine should include a few minutes of calm and relaxation before sleep.
- Reading before bed can help with entering a state of relaxation.
It’s also recommended to avoid things that contain caffeine in the hours after noon. For some, physical activity in the evening can energize the body and disrupt sleep. It’s important to seek medical advice if sleep problems are natural or if it involves a child and needs to be understood in detail by a sleep expert.
In addition to the mentioned recommendations, especially for kids with ADHD, it’s important to combine behavioral and educational interventions that help with ADHD, including positive, supportive activities that can help with ADHD, especially when there are sleep problems, such as anxiety and going to the bathroom several times during the day. Or poor sleep, resulting in a lack of focus and hyperactivity.
In the case of compensatory behavioral training, such as the AttenGo program, designed for those with ADHD, it helps focus on cognitive activity for attention and focus. However, training on this program can improve ADD/ADHD by stimulating brain waves of the beta 1 type, thus improving blood flow in the frontal lobe.
This is where dopamine transfer (the chemical responsible for pleasure) associated with ADHD symptoms comes into play in the frontal lobe of the brain, especially.
Those who used this program reported that, in addition to reducing their ADHD symptoms, sleep improved and those who suffered from anxiety felt better than before.
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FAQ
Why is sleep so important for children with ADHD? Lack of sleep can worsen ADHD symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, making it harder for them to focus and learn.
What are some signs that my child with ADHD is not getting enough sleep? Signs can include increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, more frequent behavioral problems, and daytime sleepiness.
Are there any medications that can help with sleep problems in children with ADHD? While medication is not the first line of treatment, a doctor may recommend melatonin or other sleep aids in some cases, always under strict medical supervision.
