Interestingly there have been many studies which have indicated there may be a correlation with individuals who have ADHD and sleep disorders. Individuals with ADHD, typically present with symptoms of impulsivity, overactivity and inattention. Sleep disorders have been clinically reported in 25-50% of children and adolescents with ADHD (Choi et al., 2010).
Recent studies have found that there is in an increased associated with rhythmic movements in sleep such as restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS) (Walters et al, 2008). Restless sleep is also a common complaint reported in 81.1% of children with ADHD (Kapoor et al., 2021). Although not every child and thereby adult goes on to develop restless sleep disorder (RSD), in particular a study (Kapoor et al., 2021) only found 9.1% were diagnosed with it.
However, many find it hard to initiate sleep and maintain quality sleep (Diaz-Roman, et al, 2016). This appears more prevalent in children than adult due to the immaturity of the circadian rhythm and disturbances in the circadian rhythm found in ADHD patients. The circadian rhythm is important regulatory mechanism which helps assist in sleep initiation and maintenance.
Although there is still further research to be explored within the realm of ADHD and its effect on sleep, it may be worth having a sleep study done given the prevalence of sleep disorders found in individuals with ADHD.
To read more about the impacts of ADHD on sleep, check out the following studies below.
References:
- Choi, J., Yoon, I.-Y., Kim, H.-W., Chung, S., & Yoo, H. J. (2010). Differences between objective and subjective sleep measures in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 06(06), 589–595. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.27993
- Díaz-Román, A., Hita-Yáñez, E., & Buela-Casal, G. (2016). Sleep characteristics in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Systematic review and meta-analyses. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(05), 747–756. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.5810
- Kapoor, V., Ferri, R., Stein, M. A., Ruth, C., Reed, J., & DelRosso, L. M. (2021). Restless sleep disorder in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(4), 639–643. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.8984
- Walters, A. S., Silvestri, R., Zucconi, M., Chandrashekariah, R., & Konofal, E. (2008). Review of the possible relationship and hypothetical links between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the simple sleep related movement disorders, Parasomnias, Hypersomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 04(06), 591–600. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.27356
