The link between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep disorders

When does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect sleep disorders? In fact, not everyone with ADHD has sleep problems, but it can happen. In one study, about half of parents said their child with ADHD had trouble sleeping, had nightmares, or had other sleep problems like sleep apnea.

1.1. What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of mental health disorder that can cause above-normal hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, and ADHD in children, have different symptoms and manifestations, but can all have difficulty concentrating on a single task. or sit still for long periods of time.
1.2. Symptoms and Classification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Regarding the symptoms of ADHD, a wide range of behaviors or manifestations are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some of them include:
Difficulty concentrating on a given problem or task Frequently forgetting tasks Being easily distracted Discomfort when sitting still Frequently interrupting others when They are talking To facilitate the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, scientists have divided ADHD into 3 main categories including: Inattentive, hyperactive, and a combination of both inattention and inattention. Hyperactivity:
Inattentiveness: As the name implies, people with this type of hyperactivity disorder often find it difficult to concentrate on all tasks and assigned tasks. Experts also say that inattention is difficult to detect in children because they often do not show outward inattention. Hyperactivity: People with hyperactive-type ADHD primarily display hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. In addition, they often worry excessively, interrupt people, and often show rashness. Although not related to inattentive ADHD, people with hyperactive-type ADHD also find it difficult to focus on completing tasks. Combination of inattention and hyperactivity: This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder often have symptoms of both disorders. Determining the right type of ADHD will help a lot in the process of choosing the right treatment.

1.3. Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Although ADHD is relatively common worldwide. However, doctors and experts are still uncertain about what causes the condition. They believe that ADHD has its origin in the central nervous system. In addition, genetics may also play a role.
Some studies suggest that a decrease in the hormone dopamine is one of the main causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps transmit signals from one nerve to another. It plays an important role in triggering a number of brain responses and emotional changes.
Some other scientists believe that people with less gray matter volume have a higher risk of ADHD. Gray matter includes areas of the brain that control activities such as:
The ability to express opinions Self-control and decision-making Ability to control muscle activity Besides the main causes that are thought to lead to ADHD Above, scientists are still studying a number of factors that can increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder such as smoking during pregnancy or excessive use of stimulants....

2.1. What is a sleep disorder? A sleep disorder is a condition in which a person cannot fall asleep normally. Currently, scientists have identified more than 80 different types of sleep disorders. Some of the main types include:
Insomnia : The most common type of sleep disorder Sleep apnea : A type of breathing disorder characterized by episodes of sleep apnea Restless legs syndrome : Feeling Tingling sensations in the legs with urge to move Inability to stay awake during the day: Includes narcolepsy and extreme daytime sleepiness. Circadian rhythm disturbance: Occurs when the sleep-wake cycle is disturbed, making the body unable to fall asleep and wake up at the right time. Sleepwalking: Acting abnormally during sleep and even standing up, walking, and talking as usual. 2.2. Causes of sleep disorders There are many different causes leading to sleep disorders, including:
Current health status of the body such as heart disease, lung disease, neurological disorders ... psychiatry including depression and anxiety Side effects of certain medications Genetic factors Heavy use of caffeine and other stimulants Long shifts or night shifts Aging : As people get older, people tend to sleep less, they also often wake up at night and can't get back to sleep. 2.3. Symptoms of Sleep Disorders The symptoms of a sleep disorder depend on the specific type of disorder acquired. Some typical signs of a sleep disorder can include:
Often takes at least 30 minutes a night to fall asleep. Frequent waking during the night and then having difficulty falling back to sleep or waking up too early in the morning Feeling sleepy during the day, napping a lot and not sleeping on time Snoring, wheezing, snoring , gasping for breath, or having episodes of sleep apnea. Itching sensation in the legs or arms and can only be relieved by movement or massage. Frequently dozing off or having scary dreams. Often feel tired when waking up in the morning.

Not everyone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has a sleep disorder, but there is a connection between the two. In one study, more than half of parents of children with ADHD reported that their children had sleep disturbances. They often have nightmares, wake up tired or have other problems like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.
In addition, children with ADHD have poorer sleep quality as well as difficulty waking up and always feel sleepy during the day. Several types of sleep disturbances have been linked to ADHD including:
Snoring Large tonsils can partially block the airways during sleep leading to snoring and reduced sleep quality and causing snoring. fatigue, lack of concentration the next day. In a study of children ages 5 to 7, those who snored were nearly twice as likely to have ADHD as their peers. However, that does not prove that snoring is the cause of ADHD.
Children who snore often lose focus, have poor language skills as well as overall intelligence. Several studies have shown that tonsillectomy can help improve sleep quality and improve distraction without the need for medication.
Sleep Apnea People with sleep apnea are characterized by brief episodes of apnea that occur during sleep. Large tonsils are a common cause of sleep apnea, but obesity and chronic allergies can also lead to this syndrome.
Sleep apnea causes sleep quality to be affected, thereby making the body tired and daytime, leading to lack of concentration in assigned tasks and tasks.
Restless Legs Syndrome Researchers have found a link between restless legs syndrome and dementia. Restless legs syndrome causes an uncomfortable tingling sensation in the legs or sometimes the arms. This sensation creates an urge to move, which disrupts sleep and interferes with daytime work.

People with restless legs syndrome may feel distracted, moody, or hyperactive — all symptoms of ADHD. Some researchers think that people with restless legs syndrome and ADHD both stem from a lack of dopamine in the brain. However, this hypothesis is still being studied, and not everyone with ADHD also has restless legs syndrome.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common psychiatric disorder. People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often find it difficult to concentrate and complete tasks well.
Sleep disturbance is characterized by difficulty falling asleep. People with sleep disorders often feel tired, lethargic, and lack focus during the day. Scientists have also demonstrated a link between sleep disorders and ADHD, with people with sleep disorders often having a higher risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Articles refer to sources: healthline.com, medlineplus.gov, webmd.com