Is ADHD Disturbing Your Sleep?
25 to 50% - That's the estimated percentage of people with ADHD who experience sleep problems, according to the Sleep Foundation. These disorders range from insomnia to secondary sleep problems and everything in between. Starting around puberty, people with ADHD are more likely to experience shorter sleep times and issues falling asleep and staying asleep. These problems tend to worsen with age, and so does the likelihood of developing a sleep disorder.
Why is good sleep harder for people with ADHD to achieve?
The answer to this is essentially still up in the air, with multiple unconfirmed theories emerging. Most studies look at the effect of ADHD-related stimulant use as the cause of poor sleep instead of the disorder itself. We do know that those with ADHD may experience delayed circadian rhythms and melatonin production. Whereas the average person's "sleep phase" occurs between 11 PM and 7 AM, individuals with ADHD may experience this period between 2 AM and 10 AM. If you've ever wondered why you experience bouts of hyperfocus and energy late at night, you might have just found your reason.
Other likely reasons for delayed sleep include hyperactive thoughts. Even those with ADHD who rarely experience hyperactivity during the day seem to develop unexplained "racing thoughts" when they settle into bed. One study saw that 80% of individuals with ADHD over 30 reported that it took them over an hour to fall asleep because their brain wouldn't "shut off."
Unsurprisingly, individuals with ADHD often report feeling sleepy throughout the day but wide awake when it's time to turn out the lights, a phenomenon known as perverse sleep. ADHD and prescribed stimulants are both known to cause fatigue throughout the day, and frustratingly enough, each makes achieving quality sleep at night more difficult as well.
Are stimulants making it worse?
Stimulants used in treating ADHD affect the part of the brain that focuses attention, making us more alert. That's precisely what we don't want when trying to get some sleep. Coupling that with the previously discussed ADHD-derived sleep problems, deep rest is almost impossible.
What should you do?
The good news is you have options to try and boost the quality of your rest! Experts recommend upping your sleep hygiene by avoiding caffeine late in the day, steering clear of stimulating activities before bed, and rising at the same time every day. Beyond that, vitamins and nutrients are your friends! We designed Recoop's Wellness Set to combat this exact issue. The vitamin set is made to be taken before and after your stimulant regimen: To help support your circadian rhythm and unwind at the end of each day. We want to work with your stimulants and your body's normal chemical processes to boost your chances of resting well every night. Our Recovery formula has specific sleep-inducing ingredients like magnesium, melatonin, and L-tyrosine to naturally lull you into deep, easy rest. Quality sleep is attainable, ADHD or not.
