Stein, M.A., Weiss, M., & Hlavaty, L. (2012). ADHD treatments, sleep, and sleep problems: Complex associations. Neurotherapeutics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-012-0130-0

ADHD treatments, sleep, and sleep problems: Complex associations 

- ADHD treatments, sleep, and sleep problems: Complex associations 

Xavier University

In addition to being a potential symptom of ADHD, sleeping problems/disorders are a common side effect of ADHD medication, particularly stimulants. This lack of sleep can significantly impact an individual, especially those with ADHD, as it can significantly increase symptoms of ADHD. This is most commonly seen in children. 

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep 

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep References 

- Insomnia 
- Shorter sleep duration 
- Taking longer to fall asleep 
- Difficulty waking up in the morning 
- Sleepiness during the day 

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep: Potential Disorders/Problems

Medication can affect individuals differently. There are several different factors that increase the likelihood of an individual experiencing problems sleeping. 
-	Stimulant medications have a stronger association with sleeping disorders than non-stimulants. 
-	The higher the dosage, the stronger the association with insomnia.
-	People who started taking stimulants more recently and have less exposure to them are more likely to experience this. 
-	Younger children are also more at risk. 


ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep: Potential Factors 

Nonstimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine have also been seen to have effects on sleep. Possible side effects of this medication include waking up frequently during the night, somnolence, and, less frequently, insomnia. However, compared to MPH, a stimulant, individuals taking atomoxetine can fall asleep faster.

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep: Nonstimulant Medication

Studies of adults with ADHD have revealed that they may have difficulty falling asleep and waking up, and were tired during the day. However, these symptoms do not appear to be the result of medication. In fact, it actually improved the symptoms that were experiencing. 

ADHD Medication impact on Sleep: Effect on Adults 

Children are more sensitive to the ADHD medication and thus are more likely to experience sleeping disorder symptoms than adults. One possible explanation for this is because even if children and adults take medication with the same duration of effects, children often go to bed earlier than adults. As a result, the medicine may still be in their system at bedtime, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep. Furthermore, children are more at risk of sleeping problems and disorders if they have a sleeping disorder that existed beforehand or have comorbid anxiety and/or depression. 

ADHD Medication Impact on Sleep: Effect on Children 

To properly address this problem, doctors should speak to patients to determine whether they possess a sleeping disorder before beginning the medication. This way, changes in sleeping patterns can be properly tracked and addressed. 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After