Sleep and ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests a complex relationship between ADHD and sleep, where sleep problems are common in individuals with ADHD, and these issues can also impact the development of sleep-wake rhythms. While some studies explore potential interventions for co-occurring sleep and ADHD symptoms, more research is needed to fully understand direct cause-and-effect and effective solutions.

Key findings

• Sleep problems in children with ADHD appear to be linked to sleep difficulties in their parents, suggesting a potential family connection.
• Early issues with developing a regular sleep-wake cycle might influence the development of neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD in children.
• Some preliminary research has explored novel approaches, such as robot interventions, to help adults with both ADHD and insomnia, with mixed but interesting results.
• Studies investigating the genetic links between mental health conditions and risk factors, including some related to sleep, indicate a shared genetic basis that could contribute to both ADHD and sleep disturbances.

Studies cited (3)

1. Associations between sleep problems in children with ADHD and parental insomnia and ADHD symptoms — Bondopandhyay U, McGrath J, Coogan AN (2024, PloS one, other)

   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298377 PMCID: PMC11108211

2. A robot intervention for adults with ADHD and insomnia-A mixed-method proof-of-concept study — Støre SJ, Tillfors M, Angelhoff C (2023, PloS one, other)

   DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290984 PMCID: PMC10473504

3. Sleep in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adults: past, present, and future — Yoon SY, Jain U, Shapiro C (2012, Sleep medicine reviews, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2011.07.001