Snooze Control: Tackling ADHD Sleep Challenges with Dr. Roberto Olivardia
May 16, 2024
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Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD treatment, discusses the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep. They explore how ADHD individuals struggle with various sleep disorders and share practical strategies for better sleep, including the benefits of stimulation from audiobooks or TV shows. The discussion emphasizes the importance of proper sleep for memory, brain function, and overall health with an ADHD brain.
People with ADHD are at higher risk for sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, due to hypoactivity in sleep centers.
Establishing consistent sleep schedules, avoiding stimulating activities, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine are crucial for healthy sleep habits.
Deep dives
The Impact of ADHD on Sleep Patterns
People with ADHD often struggle with sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up feeling refreshed. Those with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and sleep paralysis. The ADHD brain shows hypoactivity in the sleep centers, leading to challenges in shutting down the brain for sleep. Behavioral aspects, like procrastination and engaging in stimulating activities at night, further complicate sleep for individuals with ADHD.
The Importance of Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
Proper sleep is an active process that promotes memory consolidation, myelin growth for faster neural communication, and immune system function. Sleep deprivation can lead to long-term health risks, including increased susceptibility to dementia and Alzheimer's. Establishing consistent sleep schedules, avoiding stimulating activities before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can support healthy sleep habits.
Recognizing and Addressing Sleep Disorders in ADHD
Individuals with ADHD are at a higher risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Symptoms like chronic snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness may indicate the presence of a sleep disorder. Seeking a sleep study and proper diagnosis can lead to effective treatment options like CPAP therapy, which can significantly improve overall health and quality of life.
Behavioral Strategies for Improving Sleep Hygiene
Managing distractions like late-night TV or gaming can be challenging for individuals with ADHD. Setting boundaries, such as avoiding starting new activities after a certain time, using apps to limit screen time, or creating a relaxing pre-sleep routine, can help in curbing behaviors that interfere with getting adequate and restful sleep. By being intentional with bedtime behaviors and adopting healthy sleep practices, individuals with ADHD can improve their sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep is a common challenge for those with ADHD. In this episode, Pete and Nikki dive deep into the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep with special guest Dr. Roberto Olivardia.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD treatment, Dr. Olivardia shares his professional and personal insights on this critical topic. He explains how people with ADHD are at higher risk for an array of sleep disorders, from sleep apnea to restless leg syndrome. But beyond diagnosable conditions, those with ADHD often find it difficult to wind down at night due to the constant search for stimulation.
Pete, Nikki and Dr. Olivardia discuss practical strategies for improving sleep, some of which may seem counterintuitive. For example, listening to an audiobook or familiar TV show can actually help an ADHD brain relax by providing just the right amount of stimulation. They also bust some common myths, like the idea that you can "catch up" on lost sleep over the weekend.
Getting proper sleep is crucial for memory, brain function, and overall health. While it can feel like an uphill battle, this conversation provides both the "why" and the "how" of prioritizing sleep with an ADHD brain.
(00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
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