Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
05:48

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

Published on: June 12, 2020

5.6K

Vitamin D insufficiency and sleep disturbances in children with ADHD: a case-control study

Panpan Zhang1,2, Yang Liu1,2, Yan Ma1,2

  • 1Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children's Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China.

Frontiers in Psychiatry
|April 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D insufficiency in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) significantly worsens sleep duration and disordered breathing. However, it does not directly impact ADHD symptoms or functional impairment. Screening for vitamin D deficiency is recommended for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder frequently associated with sleep disturbances.
  • Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating sleep patterns and supporting optimal brain function.
  • The impact of vitamin D insufficiency on sleep problems and ADHD symptomology in children remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and sleep problems in children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To determine if vitamin D deficiency exacerbates ADHD symptoms and functional impairment in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 260 children aged 6-14 years with ADHD.
  • Participants were categorized into groups with vitamin D insufficiency (n=95) and sufficiency (n=165).
  • Assessment included ADHD symptom severity, functional impairment scales, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

Main Results:

  • Children with ADHD and vitamin D insufficiency exhibited significantly higher scores for sleep duration and sleep-disordered breathing compared to those with sufficient vitamin D levels.
  • Overall, ADHD children demonstrated prevalent sleep problems, with CSHQ scores exceeding the threshold for concern.
  • No direct correlation was found between vitamin D insufficiency and the type of ADHD, symptom severity, or functional impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems are common in children with ADHD, and vitamin D insufficiency is linked to increased sleep duration and sleep-disordered breathing.
  • While vitamin D insufficiency does not directly worsen ADHD symptoms or functional impairment, its association with sleep disturbances highlights the need for screening.
  • Addressing vitamin D levels in children with ADHD may be beneficial for managing associated sleep issues, potentially offering indirect improvements in overall well-being.
Abstract

Keywords:
Vitamin Dattention deficit hyperactivity disorderchildren’s sleep habits questionnairesleep disordered breathingsymptom

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 ADHD10:02

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

15.5K
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

560

Related Concept Videos

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...
788
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...
1.4K
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
623
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.
902
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
615
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....
1.4K