Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
Daridorexant for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and insomnia disorder: An exploratory
Giacomo Grassi1, Edoardo Scillitani1, Corinna Moradei1
1Brain Center Firenze, Florence, Italy.
Background:
Insomnia is highly prevalent in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), worsening core symptoms, mood, and cognition. Despite its impact, pharmacological options remain limited. Dual orexin receptor antagonists, such as daridorexant, are a promising yet untested approach in this population.
Methods:
In a naturalistic one-month study, 24 adults with ADHD and comorbid insomnia disorder received daridorexant 50 mg nightly. Sleep outcomes were assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), and actigraphy-based measures. Secondary measures included ADHD symptoms (Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV, BAARS-IV), cognitive performance (Conners' Continuous Performance Test-3, CPT-3), and mood and anxiety (Symptoms of Depression Questionnaire, SDQ).
Results:
ISI and SCI scores improved significantly (both p < .001). Actigraphy confirmed longer total sleep time, higher sleep efficiency, and shorter sleep onset latency; after correction, ISI/SCI improvement and longer total sleep time remained significant. Clinically, 62.5% achieved meaningful improvement (≥7-point ISI reduction), 25% partial-to-minimal, and 12.5% no change or worsening; nearly two-thirds reached non-clinical insomnia levels. CPT-3 revealed enhanced sustained attention and response consistency, with further gains in selective attention and reduced impulsivity among responders. BAARS-IV showed overall improvement, with the sluggish cognitive tempo subscale reaching significance. Mood and anxiety improved, and the SDQ appetite/weight subscale decreased significantly even after correction, suggesting reduced perceived appetite or weight. Daridorexant was well tolerated; two participants reported daytime sleepiness or sedation, and one discontinued due to persistent sedation.
Conclusions:
In this preliminary sample, daridorexant was associated with improvements in sleep, attention, mood and anxiety in adults with ADHD and insomnia, supporting further controlled trials.
More Related Videos
10:02Event 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
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
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...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:19Management of Insomnia
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...