Children with attention deficit disorder, or ADD, may be more prone to sleep difficulties than the average child. Problem with sleep in young children may even be a sign of attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children with ADD may be fidgety and active when trying to settle for sleep, or unable to ignore distractions in their environments. Adequate sleep is essential for every child, but helping your child sleep can be challenging.
Significance
Adequate sleep is essential. According to Dr. Alan Greene, low-level sleep deprivation may cause learning difficulties, moodiness, impulsive behavior and a low threshold for negative emotions. Poor sleep may cause symptoms typically associated with attention deficit disorder. Sleep problems, including frequent waking and difficulty falling asleep or falling back to sleep are common among children diagnosed with ADD, making it difficult to know whether sleep habits are the cause or the result of attention deficit disorder.
Types
Sleep issues fall into several categories and can be related specifically to ADD or not. Inadequate sleep may cause symptoms similar to attention deficit disorder. Limb movements similar to restless leg syndrome are more common in children with ADD, according to ADDers.org. Some children with attention deficit disorder may become distracted easily or have difficulty quieting their minds for sleep. Stimulant medications commonly used to treat attention deficit disorder may also cause children to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, reports Dr. Greene.
Considerations
Positive habits and a good nighttime routine can improve sleep for children with ADD. The ADD ADHD Advances website recommends a warm bath before bed, along with a sleep-inducing drink like the classic warm milk. Eliminate media or active distractions before bed, opting for reading time or audio books to help your child settle into sleep. Heavy, dark curtains, soft music or a fan can also help create a space conducive to sleep.
Time Frame
Understanding how much sleep your child needs can help you assess whether he is getting an adequate amount of sleep, and whether sleep deprivation may be influencing his behavior. While sleep needs for children are highly individual, most toddlers and preschoolers need around 12 hours per day, while school-age children need approximately 10 hours of sleep. Pre-teens and teens usually do best with about nine hours of sleep, according to Dr. Greene. Consider your child's behavior to determine whether she is adequately rested. Inadequate sleep may intensify symptoms of ADD, including moodiness, impulsive behavior and difficulties with attention span. Inadequate sleep may even lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, reports Dr. Greene.
Warning
While implementing smart bedtime routines and teaching positive sleep habits is a goal for every parent, seek advice from your pediatrician or health care provider before trying herbal or pharmaceutical sleep aids. Work with your child's doctor to manage sleep as part of comprehensive care for ADD. New routines, medication adjustments and other strategies can improve sleep and daytime behavior.
