Hi everyone,
Today I am looking at sleeping troubles experienced by both Adults and Children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). It is very close to my heart as this is something I personally struggle with.
I have Non-Attentive ADHD which used to be known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) as the Hyperactivity is not normally visible to others (with me it is internalised).
An estimated 25% to 50% of people with ADHD experience sleep problems, ranging from insomnia to secondary sleep conditions. (1)
For a period of time recently, I found that by watching TV until I was absolutely knackered, then turning it off I could sometimes get to sleep a little better, but when I slept in bed, by the time I had gotten there, I was awake again and my head was whirring – it would only take one thought, whether about work or something going on in my life to then escalate in my head and I wouldn’t be able to get to sleep.
Looking back over my childhood, when I was younger I didn’t have any trouble getting to sleep, but as I reached teenage years, I realise that even back then I had started to find coping strategies to my sleep problems without even realising that’s what I was doing.
My coping strategy then was to listen to the radio, normally a local call-in chat show and fall asleep with it on a timer.
“Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in childhood, enduring through adolescence and adulthood and presenting with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity and significantly impairing functioning.
Primary sleep disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm sleep disorder, insomnia, and narcolepsy are commonly comorbid in these individuals but not often assessed and are therefore often left untreated.
Sleep disturbances in individuals with ADHD can result in significant functional impairments that affect mood, attention, behaviour, and ultimately school/work performance and quality of life.” (2)
I have tried a few different ways of getting to sleep more easily, such as amending my medication, taking sleeping tablets and exhausting myself before trying (see above!), I am still trying to find the right solution for me :-).
And when it comes to learning about the subject I find it easier to listen to audiobooks, rather than read from a book or kindle.
I have put together a page including a couple of books that look interesting and can be downloaded, with a few special offers for cheaper downloads.
Click here: Audiobooks / Kindle / Paperback – ADHD + SLEEP
(1) Sleep disorders in patients with ADHD: impact and management challenges – PubMed (nih.gov)
(2) Sleep disorders in patients with ADHD: impact and management challenge | NSS (dovepress.com)
