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Sleep Research May Shift Thinking on ADHD
Newser • • health
Key Points:
- New research suggests that sleep problems in people with ADHD may be a root cause rather than just a symptom, linked to dysfunctional circadian rhythms that regulate sleep and wake cycles.
- A perspective paper in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights that up to 78% of individuals with ADHD experience delayed sleep timing, with melatonin release occurring much later than normal.
- Experts recommend routine screening for circadian disruptions in ADHD patients and the use of sleep tracking as a low-risk diagnostic tool.
- The broader psychiatric field is exploring circadian misalignment as a potential factor in various mental health conditions, testing interventions like morning light therapy and structured wake times to realign body clocks.
- Recalibrating the internal clock through these methods could potentially alleviate some symptoms of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.
