Can ADHD & Sleep Disorders Be Cured?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that begins during childhood and is characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This condition adversely affects normal functioning, especially at work, school, and social situations. It is more present in boys, and in most cases, it continues into adulthood if not properly managed.
Although ADHD is incurable, it is usually manageable. It’s usually managed to ensure it does not cause severe symptoms and secondary disorders. Approximately half the people with ADHD experience sleep disorders such as insomnia. Doctors are therefore paying much attention to combating sleep problems due to their impact on ADHD symptoms and the patients’ lives.
If you experience sleep problems, you should visit a sleep doctor. Sacramento Natural Dentistry is a sleep clinic in 95610 that offers ADHD and sleep disorder treatments in Citrus Heights.
ADHD and Sleep Disorders
People with ADHD begin to experience a range of sleep problems such as insomnia, lack of adequate sleep, and difficulties falling asleep. They are also at risk of developing a sleep disorder. The most common symptom is nightmares in children, particularly kids with insomnia. Notably, sleep problems linked with ADHD worsen with age.
Individuals with ADHD are usually very sleepy during the daytime and have difficulties waking up due to insufficient sleep. Most of them experience numerous nighttime awakenings. However, the sleep problems associated with ADHD tend to vary depending on the type of ADHD. Persons with predominantly inattentive symptoms have a high chance of experiencing later bedtime, while those with predominant hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are much more likely to suffer from insomnia.
Most ADHD symptoms are similar to signs of lack of sleep. They include forgetfulness and problems concentrating. Children experience fatigue, thus making it difficult to diagnose the condition properly.
ADHD sleep problems are highly likely to be side effects of alertness, impaired arousal, and regulation circuits in the brain. Researchers try to link ADHD sleep problems to delayed circadian rhythm, though not convincingly. Doctors prescribe stimulant medications in most cases for ADHD sleep problems.
What are the Causes of ADHD and Sleep Disorders?
Doctors haven’t yet established the origin of ADHD. However, genetics and certain environmental factors may contribute to its development. Also, it’s not curable, given that its cause is unknown.
Sleep disorders are the most popular coexisting conditions amongst individuals with ADHD. It is not entirely clear why both ADHD and sleep disorder coexist. Nonetheless, ADHD symptoms may make it problematic to relax properly to fall or stay asleep. This situation is responsible for various sleep problems that make it challenging to get sufficient and quality night rest.
Still, on the causes of sleep disorders, most ADHD medications are stimulants known to cause sleep issues, particularly when taken in the afternoon hours. Lack of enough sleep aggravates ADHD and ADHD-related symptoms. It’s worth noting that poor sleep quality affects adults and children differently. Children become hyperactive, while adults experience a general feeling of fatigue.
How Can ADHD and Sleep Disorders be Cured?
ADHD is incurable since scientists are yet to establish the exact cause. However, with an earlier diagnosis, the condition is managed appropriately. Common medication includes stimulants.
Sleep disorders, on the other hand, are treatable. The sleep expert establishes a suitable treatment plan for each specific condition. The treatment plan includes medication and psychotherapy. Standard psychotherapy techniques include:
Relaxation techniques – include deep breathing exercises and meditation to reduce stress before bedtime.
Sleep restriction – involves intentionally minimizing the time you stay awake, lying on the bed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy – helps you to manage feelings of anxiety. It also enables you to get rid of thoughts that prevent falling asleep.
Stimulus control – teaches you to manage your bedtime. You do not stay in bed when not sleeping, thus psychologically associating your bed only with sleep.
Light therapy – aids in resetting your internal clock to ensure you fall asleep only at ideal hours.
Also, the sleep expert or dentist may recommend various medical treatments. They include:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine – a device that keeps your airway open, thus preventing sleep apnea
Prescription pills – include zaleplon, zolpidem, and eszopiclone
Oral appliances – gadgets put in the mouth to keep the throat open and prevent sleep apnea