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Facilitating sleep initiation in children with ADHD and sleep problems: a qualitative experience-based study
Mirjam Alvstrand1, Maria Lönn1,2, Petra Svedberg1
1Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden.
Insights
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sleep problems benefit from behavioral and environmental strategies. Consistent routines, exercise, and limited screen time, alongside a calm environment, support better sleep initiation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently encounter sleep difficulties.
- These sleep problems can worsen ADHD symptoms and negatively impact daily functioning and family well-being.
- Identifying facilitators for sleep initiation is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of children with ADHD and sleep problems regarding facilitators of sleep initiation.
- To understand the factors that children perceive as helpful for initiating sleep.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory, inductive qualitative design was employed.
- Individual interviews were conducted with 21 children (aged 6-12) diagnosed with ADHD and sleep problems.
- Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interview data.
Main Results:
- Children identified behavioral facilitators: physical exercise, regulated digital device use, and balancing activity with rest.
- Environmental facilitators included a calming sleep environment and consistent evening routines.
- Children emphasized the need for individualized strategies tailored to their preferences.
Conclusions:
- Both behavioral and environmental factors are significant in supporting sleep initiation for children with ADHD.
- Integrating children's perspectives and preferences is vital when designing sleep support strategies.
- Findings can inform future research and clinical practices for pediatric sleep issues in ADHD.
Background:
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often experience significant sleep difficulties, which can impair daily functioning and exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Sleep-related challenges, such as difficulties with sleep initiation, not only affect the child but also disrupt family dynamics, thereby impacting general family well-being. Understanding the factors that facilitate better sleep initiation could provide valuable insights to inform the development of targeted interventions to support children with ADHD and associated sleep problems.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore the experiences of facilitators supporting sleep initiation among children with ADHD and sleep problems.
Method:
An exploratory, inductive qualitative design was used. Individual interviews were conducted with 21 children (11 boys and 10 girls) aged 6-12, diagnosed with ADHD and sleep problems. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis, resulting in five subcategories and two main categories.
Results:
The findings revealed that children with ADHD and sleep difficulties identified both behavioral and environmental factors that facilitate sleep initiation. Behavioral factors included engaging in physical exercise, regulating digital device use, and maintaining a balance between activity and rest. Environmental facilitators included a calming sleeping environment and the maintenance of consistent evening routines. The children highlighted the importance of individualized approaches to the integration of these strategies, to effectively support sleep initiation.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the relevance of both behavioral and environmental aspects in supporting sleep initiation among children with ADHD. These exploratory findings may inform future research and practice by emphasizing the value of integrating children's own perspectives and preferences when designing supportive strategies.
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