Talking Sleep Exploring the Connection Between Sleep and ADHD
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May 16, 2025 Dr. Jared Saletin, a sleep researcher at Brown University, delves into the intriguing link between sleep and ADHD. He reveals how poor sleep can mimic ADHD symptoms and discusses the significant impact of sleep deprivation on children's attention. With insights from fMRI studies, he explores whether better sleep habits could alleviate ADHD symptoms. Saletin also suggests practical strategies for improving children's sleep and the potential benefits of aligning school schedules with circadian health. This discussion sheds light on sleep as a modifiable factor in managing ADHD.
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ADHD Symptoms Resemble Sleep Loss
- ADHD behavioral symptoms closely mirror effects of insufficient sleep, like inattention and hyperactivity.
- Jared Saletin connected this overlap as the foundation for studying sleep's role in ADHD vulnerability.
Sleep Problems Common In ADHD
- Children with ADHD commonly report sleep issues including insomnia and altered circadian timing.
- Treating coexisting sleep disorders like OSA can reduce or eliminate ADHD symptoms in some children.
Assess Sleep When Treating ADHD
- Consider sleep assessment when prescribing ADHD medications because stimulants and melatonin can interact with sleep.
- Treating coexisting OSA may lower required stimulant dose or remove need for stimulants in some cases.