ADHD’s Impact on Circadian Rhythm
ADHD is a mental disorder that is most recognized for the short attention span and is normally diagnosed in early childhood. One struggle that parents of children with ADHD and adults who are diagnosed with the disorder is the lack of sleep or the inability to get to sleep at a reasonable time. Those who have the disorder often report that they can’t get their brains to be quiet when they want to go to bed and so it takes more effort to try getting sleep.
In recent studies, researchers have discovered why the lack of sleep is so common with those who have ADHD, and found that there is an actual delay in their circadian rhythm. One’s circadian rhythm regulates the body’s natural resting cycles and waking cycles. Those with ADHD have a delayed circadian rhythm because of the main three aspects of ADHD being impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inability to pay attention, all of which create the worst conditions for trying to get sleep and stay asleep. ADHD affects both children and adult sleeping patterns as well as creating a dysregulation of the melatonin in the body that is supposed to keep the circadian rhythm in check. Studies have shown that up to 75% of adults diagnosed in their childhood with ADHD have a delayed circadian rhythm. this is why most people with the disorder are able to work and focus on projects and assignments during the evening rather than through the day, because there is less distraction in the environment and allows one to focus easier. Sleep affects so much of the human body and how it functions, even body weight, which is why studies have shown that obesity because of lack of sleep in those diagnosed with ADHD is common. Since sleep patterns with ADHD are out of sync, it throws off the rest of the system, including regulation of sugars and digestion, making one either more impulsive to grab something sugar filled or not eat the daily recommended servings amounts of each meal. Other studies have suggested that having a delayed circadian rhythm could be a symptom for adult ADHD and that such a delay can also cause late onset ADHD.
Treatment of delayed circadian rhythm includes light therapy, melatonin supplements, improving sleeping conditions (meaning avoiding any brain stimulants i.e. alcohol, sugar caffeine, before bed), and chronotherapy. Light therapy is conducted using the natural sunlight in the morning as a form of alarm clock so that the body reassociates the sunshine with waking and sunset with readiness for sleep. Different brightness levels are also used to further aid the body in recognition of the circadian rhythm. The effectiveness of light therapy has varying results, some who are use to the regular daily schedule find it helpful, while others feel they become disoriented and less organized. Chronotherapy is conducted by changing of one’s sleep schedule by an hour or two every 6 days to give the body a jump into regulating the circadian rhythm out.Using melatonin supplements would aid in falling asleep and maintaining sleep for the duration of the night.
-Written by Kylie Hamacher, Undergraduate Intern