A Lack of Sleep or ADHD?

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A Lack of Sleep or ADHD? Written by: Sabo

At a busy pediatric clinic in Rhode Island, Dr. Judith Owens sees a

fair share of hyperactive children. They come in bouncing off the

walls. Some may have trouble focusing in school or lash out at

others for no apparent reason.

Could this type of behavior, the parents wonder, mean that their

child has something as serious as attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder (ADHD)? Before she answers, Owens is quick to ask them a

question she fears too few are posing: " How well is your child

sleeping? "

In fact, the same symptoms that characterize ADHD often overlap with

the type of problems that result from a lack of sleep, according to

various studies. Although doctors can usually separate the two,

Owens warns that mood and behavioral changes caused by sleepless

nights might sometimes be mistaken for ADHD.

" In the back of everyone's mind should be whether these symptoms are

related to sleep problems, " says Owens, a pediatrician at Rhode

Island Hospital in Providence.

How to Spot a Sleep Disorder

A thorough look at your child's sleep behavior can help determine

whether the problem is simply a lack of rest. Excessive daytime

sleepiness is often the clearest indication.

Snoring is another key warning sign. In a recent study, researchers

at the University of Michigan found that loud snoring helped predict

which children would end up hyperactive several years later.

" Snoring is a major symptom of a sleep apnea, " says Owens, referring

to one of the main sleep disorders that children face. After several

restless nights, children may demonstrate the same hyperactivity

that kids with ADHD show.

Still, trying to distinguish sleep disorders from attention deficit

ones can prove complicated. Not only are the symptoms very close,

there is the chance that ADHD may interfere with sleep as well.

Studies suggest that children with attention deficit disorders are

naturally sleepier than healthy kids, possibly due to overactive

minds that keep them stirring at night. This could partly explain

why some become hyperactive—such behavior is the body's way of

adapting to a lack of sleep, Owen explains.

Catching Some Zzz's

Regardless of the ultimate cause, sleep problems can lead to

irritability, a lack of focus and trouble in school. And if it turns

out that your child does have ADHD, the wide use of stimulant

medications may create its own sleep problems.

Owens says that newer drugs, such as Strattera, are less likely to

interfere with sleep than Ritalin and the rest. But some children

still complain of tiredness and irritability after taking Strattera,

according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Whether a child's lack of sleep is from ADHD, medications or sleep

apnea, getting a good night's rest is crucial. A lack of sleep can

either exacerbate ADHD symptoms or cause problems that seem just as

bad.

The first step, Owen says, is for parents and doctors to discuss a

child's sleep behavior. If your child is waking often in the night

or having trouble going to sleep, there are simple steps you can

take.

Owens recommends the basics:

A regular bed time

No caffeine or running around shortly before bed

A relaxing bedtime environment, meaning no television

" Kids who have television sets in their rooms have more trouble

going to sleep, " says Owens. Reading a bedtime story instead, she

adds, can prove better for the child and for mom and dad as well.

" Insomnia in children frequently affects parents' sleep and stress, "

says Owens.