Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may be twice as likely as children without the condition to have trouble sleeping. Teasing apart the cause and effect can be difficult because medical theories differ. Not only does sleep deprivation have similar symptoms as ADHD in children, but the two conditions have reciprocal feedback, making a never-ending cycle of sleeplessness and attentional issues during the day. While less common, adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may also feed the symptoms of sleeplessness with lifestyle choices.
ADHD Effects on Sleep Quality
Many children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have trouble getting to sleep at night. They toss and turn, and start a cycle of worrying late into the night. Children with the disorder sleep less than other children, on average 30 minutes less. The disorder also may lead to problems with awakening: 80% of adults with ADHD fall asleep and cannot be aroused easily, according to William Dodson, M.D., in an article published in "ADDitude."
Sleep Effects on ADHD
Poor sleep habits or the presence of sleep disorders may worsen ADHD symptoms. The National Sleep Foundation reports that treating sleep problems in children with ADHD may eliminate some hyperactivity or concentration problems.
ADHD And Other Sleep Disorders
Children with ADHD are more likely to have sleep disorders such as snoring, nightmares, night terrors and bruxism, or teeth grinding during sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children are also more than twice as likely to have the sleep-related breathing condition sleep apnea, which can be a dangerous condition if left untreated.
Sleep Deprivation and ADHD
To make matters even more confusing, the symptoms of sleep deprivation and ADHD are quite similar: restlessness during the day, difficulty focusing, irritability and difficulty in moderating impulses in behavior. For this reason, some children may be diagnosed with ADHD when actually they are suffering from partial sleep deprivation, warns Alan Greene, MD. In a 2010 study associated with National Taiwan University, Susan Shur-Fen Gau, M.D., says, "Symptoms are caused or exaggerated by primary sleep disorders, and therefore treatment of the sleep disorder will improve ADHD symptoms."
Tips for Better Sleep
Regardless of the severity of ADHD symptoms, sleep health plays an important role. Some lifestyle causes of sleep problems include Internet addiction and the use of stimulants such as caffeine, as well as simply not making enough time for sleep. Stress, anxiety and working odd hours are other causes of sleep deprivation for adults. Taking time to relax before bed, as well as keeping work--related material and electronics out of the bedroom, may make the passage into sleep quicker and easier.
