Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) not only affects focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity during the day but can also significantly disrupt sleep patterns. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, and achieving restful sleep, contributing to a cycle of fatigue and exacerbated ADHD symptoms. Understanding the intricate relationship between ADHD and sleep is crucial for managing both effectively and improving overall well-being.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both, despite the opportunity for adequate sleep. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up frequently during the night or waking up too early
- Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
Note from Kim – I have had insomnia since I was old enough to remember having insomnia. Age 4? 5? Regardless, I was young. I cannot shut off my head to sleep. I think about everything, ruminate excessively, and solve problem after problem and come up with at least seven other alternative solutions to each of the problems – and most of them are hypothetical. I’m telling you…I’ll know what to do in a worst case scenario before it even happens! And it’s all planned at night, while I’m trying to get some sleep.
I need to be heavily medicated to sleep – even with bedtime wind-down, meditations, and pristine sleep hygiene! But for me…medicated sleep is better than no sleep. I will get NO sleep if I’m not medicated, which then complicates the rest of my life. I can’t think or be creative effectively when I’m exhausted and crabby. So medication…it is. That does NOT include alcohol! For me, sleep and drinking cannot occur in the same 24-hour period.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. There are two main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Symptoms include:
- Loud snoring (typically more common in OSA)
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, witnessed by another person
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder where an individual’s sleep is delayed by two or more hours beyond the conventional bedtime, causing difficulty in waking up at a desired time. Symptoms include:
- Persistent difficulty falling asleep and waking up at socially acceptable times
- Preference for late-night activities and feeling most alert in the evening
- Difficulty waking up in the morning, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness
- Normal sleep quality and duration when allowed to follow their own schedule
- Disruption to social, educational, or professional responsibilities due to misalignment with typical schedules
