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Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
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Sleep in Individuals with ADHD: Prevalence, Impacts, Causes, and Treatments

Emma Sciberras1,2,3

  • 1Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia. emma.sciberras@deakin.edu.au.

Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
|April 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently experience sleep problems. Behavioral strategies and melatonin show promise for treatment, with emerging research on light therapy for circadian rhythm issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep problems are highly prevalent in children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • These sleep disturbances significantly impact daily functioning, cognitive abilities, and overall family well-being.
  • The etiology of sleep issues in ADHD is multifactorial, involving both biological and environmental contributors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of sleep problems in pediatric ADHD.
  • To discuss the prevalence, types, and impacts of sleep disturbances.
  • To review current and emerging treatment strategies and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on sleep in ADHD.
  • Synthesis of findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on behavioral interventions and melatonin.
  • Exploration of emerging research on circadian rhythm therapies like bright light therapy.

Main Results:

  • Behavioral strategies have demonstrated efficacy in treating sleep problems in children with ADHD.
  • Melatonin treatment has shown improvements in sleep onset delay in some studies.
  • Bright light therapy is a potential future intervention for ADHD-related sleep issues, particularly those involving circadian rhythms.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are a significant concern for individuals with ADHD across development.
  • Evidence supports behavioral interventions and melatonin for specific sleep issues.
  • Further research is needed to optimize sleep support for adolescents and adults with ADHD, including exploring chronotherapies.

Keywords:
ADHDComorbidityEfficacyFunctional outcomesMelatoninMethylphenidatePrevalenceSex differencesSleepTreatment

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