Hyperactivity in children might result from sleepiness or a condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Dark circles under the eyes can indicate a shortage of sleep, but genetics also can predispose someone to having dark circles. Symptoms of ADHD and sleep disorders are not necessarily related, but Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Sleep Medicine Center researchers urge parents to treat sleeping disorders prior to treating ADHD.
Sleep Shortage and Dark Circles
Lack of sleep can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. According to the Dark Circles website, lack of sleep can make your skin look more pale, which can make weak capillaries around the eyes look darker. A "Natural News" article suggests that insomnia can aggravate dark circles under the eyes because exhaustion can reduce the moisture and elasticity of skin around the eyes, which can make skin look paler. India Parenting suggests that genetics can predispose a person to develop dark circles under the eyes and the circles can indicate sleeplessness or disturbed sleep. Other factors that contribute to dark circles include excessive caffeine consumption, allergies and thyroid problems.
Hyperactivity and Sleepiness
Hyperactivity can indicate sleepiness in children. According to an article published by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, preschool children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep every night and older children and teenagers should get at least nine hours of sleep. The article notes that unlike adults, children with sleeping disorders might not show excessive daytime sleepiness, but instead might be hyperactive and perform poorly in school.
ADHD and Sleep Disorders
Children with symptoms of ADHD can suffer from sleep disorders. ADHD is a disorder that affects a child's ability to focus or perform well in school. Principle characteristics of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. According to an article by the Israel 21c News, children that show symptoms of ADHD might suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders. The article notes that Technion-Israel Institute of Technology's Sleep Medicine Center researchers found children who were diagnosed with ADHD exhibited higher levels of daytime sleepiness than a control group.
Sleep Disorder Treatment
Sleep disorder treatment might alleviate symptoms of ADHD. The Israel 21c News article suggests that treating sleep deficiencies reduced the symptoms of ADHD in children. Finding and correcting a sleeping problem might help a child become more focused, well-behaved and enhance his ability to focus. According to the article, Israeli Sleep Medical Center researchers speculate that sleeping problems actually might cause daytime behavior problems that are associated with ADHD. The researchers urge parents to encourage good sleeping habits and restrict caffeine consumption in hyperactive children, in addition to correcting any breathing irregularities or leg movements that occur during sleep.
ADHD Treatment
According to the National Institute of Mental Health website, treatment for ADHD involves medication, therapy or a combination. The most common medications for ADHD are stimulants that can enhance a child's ability to focus and learning capacity, and lower anxiety. Behavioral therapy can help encourage better behavior at home and at school by teaching a child how to control himself.
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