Lots of tots aren't getting enough sleep. And for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), lack of adequate ZZZs is a prevalent problem that affects their daily lives and their parents', reports a new study.
Analyzing the sleep habits of 239 Australian children with ADHD (ages 5 to 18, 90% of whom were boys) researchers found that nearly three-quarters of the kids had sleep problems, with almost half experiencing moderate to severe issues like:
- battling sleep at bedtime
- difficulty drifting off to sleep and waking up
- feeling overly groggy when it's time to get up
The kids with significant sleep troubles were more apt to be late for school or miss it altogether; and their parents or caregivers were often late clocking in at work as well. These kids' quality of life was also poorer, as was their ability to function day-to-day. Plus, the primary caregivers of the kids with moderate to severe sleep problems were almost three times as likely (than those with youngsters who had no sleep issues) to be anxious, depressed, or stressed.
The researchers say sleep problems among kids with ADHD are so common, and affect them (and their parents) so greatly, that modifying sleep habits should be a primary part of the ADHD treatment plan — that "sleep intervention" could even "reduce the need for medication in some children."
More About ADHD
ADHD is a condition involving a broad array of behaviors — attention, activity, and impulsivity. ADHD can affect how kids interact and function socially, academically, and at home.
Although it can be challenging to raise (and teach) kids with ADHD, they aren't intentionally "acting out," or being "bad" or difficult — they can have a really hard time controlling their behavior without proper treatment.
And children and teens with the condition also may have other problems (like depression, anxiety, or learning disorders) that require treatment, too. Plus, they may be at greater risk for smoking and drug use, especially if their ADHD isn't treated consistently — or at all. That's why catching the condition and treating it as soon as possible is so crucial.
Some kids with ADHD have trouble:
- paying attention or staying focused on a task or activity
- engaging in activities quietly
- finishing assignments at school or home
- focusing on instructions and following through
- paying close attention to details or avoiding careless mistakes
- organizing tasks and activities
- waiting their turn
Children with ADHD may also:
- jump from one activity to another
- lose or forget things (such as homework)
- become easily distracted, even when doing something fun
- interrupt or intrude on other people
- blurt out answers before questions have been completed
- fidget with their hands or feet, or squirm around when sitting
- feel restless
- talk excessively
Of course, almost all kids (especially younger ones) act like this sometimes, especially when they're tired, anxious, or excited. But the difference is that ADHD symptoms are present over a longer period of time and regularly happen in different settings.
What This Means to You
For kids with ADHD, a lack of sleep can only make their behavior, mood, and overall well-being even worse, which can make managing their condition that much tougher.
To help both their brains and their bodies function at their best, kids need different amounts of sleep as they grow. But lots of tots just aren't getting the snoozing they require to help them be ready — and far more willing — to take on the day.
In fact, many parents simply underestimate the amount of shuteye their children need. But kids may truly need more ZZZs if they:
- seem sleepy during the day (acting fussy, rubbing their eyes)
- get cranky and irritable in the late afternoon
- have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning
- are inattentive, impatient, hyperactive, or aggressive
- have trouble focusing on schoolwork and other tasks
If any of these behaviors seem to be occurring in your child, talk to your doctor and consider adjusting nap and/or bedtime schedules. And if you have a child with ADHD who's having sleep troubles, that's even more reason to work on creating and maintaining a sleep routine that makes for happier, more manageable days and nights for everyone in the family.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2008
Source: "Sleep Problems in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Prevalence and the Effect on the Child and Family," Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, April 2008.
