Sleep Solutions and Circadian Secrets for ADHD Wellbeing with Lynne Peeples

13 snips

Jan 15, 2025

In this engaging discussion, science journalist Lynne Peeples, author of "The Inner Clock," reveals the intricate link between ADHD and sleep. She explains why 78% of individuals with ADHD identify as night owls, delving into genetic factors and modern lifestyle disruptions like artificial light. Practical tips, such as adjusting meal times and minimizing evening light, are shared to enhance sleep quality. Moreover, the conversation highlights unique sleep challenges faced by women with ADHD, especially during hormonal shifts.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

ADHD and Night Owl Genetics

ADHD is strongly linked to being night owls, with 78% of individuals with ADHD falling into this chronotype.
Genetics and behavioral factors behind ADHD symptoms both disrupt circadian rhythms and exacerbate sleep troubles.

INSIGHT

Modern Life Worsens Chronotypes

Modern lifestyles have widened the natural chronotype curve due to indoor living, irregular eating, and artificial lighting.
This exaggerates natural sleep differences, increasing the number of extreme night owls compared to 100 years ago.

ADVICE

Small Tweaks Boost Sleep Quality

Improve sleep by increasing daytime brightness, reducing evening light, restricting meals three hours before bedtime, and maintaining consistent sleep and meal times.
Even small adjustments can start a positive feedback loop of better sleep and improved ADHD symptoms.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

This week, I dive into the fascinating link between ADHD and sleep with science journalist Lynne Peeples, author of The Inner Clock. Together, we explore how ADHD affects circadian rhythms, why so many with ADHD identify as night owls, and how societal expectations around sleep cycles often clash with ADHD traits.

What You’ll Learn:

✨ Why 78% of individuals with ADHD identify as night owls and how genetics play a role.

✨ How modern lifestyle factors like artificial light and irregular meal times disrupt sleep.

✨ Practical small adjustments to your routine—like reducing evening light and keeping consistent meal times—can improve sleep hygiene.

✨ Understanding your natural sleep patterns is key to better managing ADHD symptoms.

✨ The unique sleep challenges faced by women with ADHD, especially during hormonal changes.

During this conversation, we explore practical strategies to improve sleep quality, such as adjusting meal times and optimising light exposure throughout the day. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding our unique sleep patterns and the impact of hormonal changes, especially in women, as they navigate their own wellness journeys.

Timestamps:

01:55 - Exploring the connection between ADHD and sleep patterns
12:49 - Finding balance in daily life with ADHD
13:54 - The impact of meal timing on health
23:20 - Cultural perspectives on circadian rhythms
28:05 - The impact of light on mood and behaviour
33:03 - The impact of modern life on circadian rhythms
39:21 - Understanding Melatonin and sleep regulation

If you’ve ever struggled with sleep as an adult with ADHD or want practical advice to improve your rest, this episode is packed with actionable insights and empowering knowledge to help you feel more in tune with your body and mind.

Connect with Lynne via her Instagram, @lynne.peeples.

Kate Moryoussef is a women's ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity and clarity.