Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Sleep and COMT polymorphism in ADHD children: preliminary actigraphic data

Reut Gruber1, Natalie Grizenko2, George Schwartz2

  • 1Drs. Gruber, Grizenko, and Joober, Mr. Schwartz, Ms. Gauthier, and Ms. de Guzman are with the Douglas Hospital Research Centre and McGill University, Montreal; and Dr. Amor is with the Laval University and Hôpital Hôtel Dieu de Lévis, Quebec City, Canada..

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|July 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children with ADHD carrying the Val allele of the COMT gene experienced poorer sleep continuity. This suggests a link between genetic variations, sleep problems, and ADHD pathophysiology.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently associated with sleep disturbances.
  • The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, is a candidate for influencing ADHD.
  • Genetic variations in COMT may impact sleep regulation in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between COMT gene polymorphism and sleep characteristics in children with ADHD.
  • To determine if COMT genotype influences sleep continuity and quality in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 34 children (7.4-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Nightly sleep actigraphy was used to objectively measure sleep during weeks of methylphenidate (MPH) and placebo treatment.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed using standardized interviews and multidisciplinary consensus.

Main Results:

  • Children with the Val allele of the COMT gene exhibited significantly poorer sleep continuity compared to those with the Met-Met genotype.
  • This difference in sleep continuity was observed both during placebo treatment and during methylphenidate administration.
  • The findings highlight a genotype-specific effect on sleep in children with ADHD.

Conclusions:

  • The study supports the hypothesis that COMT gene polymorphism is associated with sleep disturbances in children with ADHD.
  • Sleep problems in ADHD may be linked to the underlying genetic pathophysiology of the disorder.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the biological underpinnings of ADHD-related sleep issues.
Abstract

More Related Videos

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

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

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.
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents01:17

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...