Trouble Sleeping with ADHD?

You’re not alone

At least
1 in 2 people
with ADHD

reports significant sleep problems.

Common issues for both adults and children with ADHD can include trouble falling and staying asleep, sleeping restlessly, and waking up too early or often throughout the night, potentially leading to a shorter night’s sleep.

This may be, in part, because some medicines used to treat symptoms of ADHD can cause insomnia. When managing ADHD, it’s important to find a balance between the benefits of treating symptoms and any unwanted side effects, including sleep disturbances.

Sleep problems—and the resulting lack of sleep—may make ADHD symptoms worse

This includes troubles with paying attention, processing information and ideas, school-related skills, managing behaviours, and controlling emotions.

It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor, both before treatment (if possible) and at follow-up visits, about your sleeping habits. You can even consider using a sleep journal or smartphone app to help you track your sleeping habits over time.

Tips for healthy sleep habits

  • Keep your sleep times consistent (even on the weekend) to help prepare your body for bedtime.
  • Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals before bedtime.
  • Create a soothing sleep environment. A cool, dark, and quiet room promotes peaceful sleep.
  • Limit late-night TV and other light-emitting screens.
  • Avoid napping. If you must nap, give yourself a 30-minute limit, and schedule your naps as far from your usual bedtime as possible.
  • Exercise every day, but avoid being active too close to bedtime.
  • Separate sleep from stress. Write down your worries so you can set them aside until morning. If you still can’t calm your mind, get up and go to another room for a relaxing activity until you’re truly tired.

Finding the best treatment option for you that provides effective symptom control without being overshadowed by side effects—including any impact on your sleep—is important.

Need Help Talking to Your Doctor about Sleep Problems?

As your treatment plan evolves, you and your doctor can work together to manage your or your child’s sleep problems while managing the symptoms of ADHD.

Download the Treatment Assessment Doctor Discussion Guide (PDF)

Understand Your Options

When you have ADHD, learning about the different treatment options and resources available is an important step in figuring out a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Take steps to make a plan

Strategies for Living with ADHD

Learning effective strategies to manage your ADHD is possible. Improving key areas of your overall health and lifestyle, such as getting more sleep, can also make a big difference.

Take Action