When many people first hear the word ADHD, they assume that it is something that only impacts children. This is a common misconception that couldn't be further from the truth. ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects children and adults. While it is more commonly diagnosed in childhood, it can be diagnosed later in life. It's also not something that a child will grow out of. Instead, how it manifests will change as a person grows older.

ADHD impacts many areas of a person's life. It can cause issues with school, work performance, and household responsibilities. Additionally, ADHD can have one major impact on one of the most important aspects of our life — sleep.

How ADHD Affects Sleep

The relationship between ADHD and sleep is complex. Often, this connection begins to manifest when someone is in their teenage years. It's not uncommon to find out that a teenager with ADHD has issues with staying or falling asleep. As they age, this only worsens.

The time we are asleep is one of the most important parts of our day. During the sleep cycle, the body and brain are actively working trying to heal us and process memories. Having this cycle cut short or interrupted will automatically cause other larger issues to manifest with mental and physical well-being.

Signs to Watch For

There are classic signs to watch out for when it comes to ADHD and sleep. Both can fuel the other, making each other worse.

Difficulty falling asleep
Trouble staying asleep
Forgetfulness
Unable to concentrate
Fatigue
Periods of high-energy
Impulsiveness

Many of these are symptoms of ADHD itself, so it's sometimes difficult to pinpoint the connection of which is causing what.

The Impact of Sleep Disruption

Interrupted sleep, whether someone has ADHD or not, can have a major impact on a person's life. It can harm somebody's ability to function well at school, work, home, or relationships. This is even more challenging when you have ADHD because all of those areas are often already impacted by ADHD. Sleep deprivation, regardless of what it is caused by, can cause symptoms such as:

Decreased alertness, which is dangerous for driving.
Irritability
Exhaustion
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Restlessness

How to Improve Sleep Quality If You Have ADHD

Thankfully, almost all mental health conditions are treatable or can be managed. The important thing to remember is that it may be a trial and error until you or your loved one finds a method that helps them manage their condition. Here is a list of what can be tried to improve this connection.

Establish A Routine

Establish a good and consistent bedtime routine. Do activities that you find relaxing and non-stimulating, such as reading, journaling, or coloring. Avoid looking at your phone, which can provide a ton of distractions and keep you awake longer. Aim to go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day. Yes, that means you should try to stick to the same schedule, even on weekends.

Exercise

Exercise isn't only important for physical health. Even something as simple as a walk can benefit the body and mind. Exercising can help your body get worn down more easily while also helping to calm your mind and regain your focus throughout the day. While you will want to avoid a full workout before bedtime, going for a walk in the evening can help relax you enough to sleep.

Therapy

It might be surprising to hear, but counseling can help you sleep better. By learning management techniques for ADHD, you will also find that your sleep quality improves. Reach out to learn more about ADHD or anxiety therapy and how it can help you.

How ADHD Affects Sleep