How Sleep Can Help Manage ADHD Symptoms
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, which affects 11.3 million adults in the United States. Those with ADHD often face challenges with focus, concentration, and general productivity during their day-to-day routines. Studies have long suggested that getting adequate sleep can help to improve overall health, mood, and behavior, but getting enough sleep can be difficult for those with ADHD.
However, research shows that getting restful sleep on a regular basis may help in managing the symptoms of ADHD. Sleep encourages the release of beneficial hormones in the body, while poor sleep can aggravate ADHD symptoms such as poor focus and concentration, making it difficult to function well in daily life.
When it comes to managing ADHD, good quality sleep is key to helping people stay in control. Developing healthy sleep habits and making sleep a priority in your life can help vastly improve your ADHD symptoms.
The Benefits of Adequate Sleep for Those with ADHD
Experts believe that for people with ADHD, sleep plays an important role in helping the brain to eliminate clutter and “reset” itself. Quality sleep allows the brain to process memories, store them for later, and fix issues that may surface during the day. It’s not just quality sleep, though—it’s also important to prevent your body from becoming accustomed to irregular sleep patterns. Staying on regular sleep schedule every day helps to make sure the brain and body are well rested.
Adequate sleep also helps to reduce stress and fatigue, as well as improve attention and focus, two key elements that can be difficult for those with ADHD. With enough sleep, it’s easier to focus and concentrate on tasks that may have been difficult prior to getting a good night’s rest.
Tips for Getting Better Sleep with ADHD
While every individual is different, there are some basic tips that can help those with ADHD to get a better sleep. These tips include:
• Develop a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it. Routines can help to establish a regular and comfortable sleep-wake cycle.
• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed. Blue light from phones and laptops can make it harder to fall asleep.
• Exercise during the day as it can help to reduce stress levels and get restful sleep at night.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day as it can impact sleep. It’s also important to avoid drinking too much fluid late at night, as this can awaken you due to needing to visit the bathroom.
• Make your bedroom dark and comfortable. Dark curtains and wearing an eye mask can help to make your bedroom as dark as possible.
• Cut down on naps during the day. Naps can make it difficult to get quality sleep at night.
Conclusion
Sleep is essential for people with or without ADHD. Sleep deprivation can have both short- and long-term consequences on overall health and well-being. Developing healthy sleep habits by avoiding screens, exercising, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help to improve sleep quality and alleviate the symptoms of ADHD.