Sleep in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

L M O'Brien1, D Gozal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kosair Children's Hospital Sleep Medicine and Apnea Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, US.

Minerva Pediatrica
|March 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disturbances are common in children. This review explores their complex relationship, noting how sleep issues can mimic ADHD symptoms or worsen ADHD itself.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood psychological disorder.
  • Sleep disturbances are common in children and can significantly impact behavior and cognition, sometimes resembling ADHD.
  • Children with ADHD often experience sleep disturbances linked to underlying executive function and attention deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate connections between sleep disorders and ADHD in children.
  • To provide a current assessment of the bidirectional relationship between these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing current research on ADHD and pediatric sleep disorders.
  • Analysis of studies examining the impact of sleep disturbances on ADHD symptoms.
  • Exploration of potential biochemical links between ADHD pathophysiology and sleep disruption.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disturbances can present symptoms that mimic ADHD, complicating diagnosis.
  • ADHD is frequently associated with sleep problems, potentially stemming from shared neurobiological factors.
  • The interplay between ADHD and sleep disorders is complex and bidirectional.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing and addressing sleep disturbances is crucial in managing children with ADHD.
  • Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD and sleep is warranted.
  • Integrated approaches to treating ADHD and sleep disorders may improve outcomes.

More Related Videos

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...