For years many parents and professionals have been wondering what the link between ADHD and sleep is and how the two relate to each other. For some, it seems like it is a never ending “What came first? The chicken or the egg?” type of the question. Does attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cause problems with falling and staying asleep? Or does not sleeping properly cause the symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness?

For parents struggling in getting ADHD kids to sleep, this lack of sleeping could even potentially make managing the usual symptoms of the condition worse.

There are many different sleep disorders that exist. Some of these, such as sleep apnea are related to factors that disrupt sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea frequently snore and often may even stop breathing while sleeping. Because of this interrupted sleep pattern, some believe that may cause hyperactivity or inability to focus.

Other parents are greatly concerned about medications that may work in relieving symptoms and help their child function at their best at school or at home may be keeping them up at night because the ADHD medication is a stimulant.

If you’re a parent with a child with ADHD who isn’t getting enough sleep, here are some things you can try:

1. Speak to Your Child’s Doctor: Speaking to your child’s doctor is one of the most important things you should do first. If sleep apnea is a concern or other conditions, your doctor will be able to assess if any of these sleep disorders exist and what the best solution in treating them might be. Some studies have found that some stimulant medications are better than others in helping kids get a good night’s rest.

2. Establish a Quiet Routine: Many children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have trouble unwinding at the end of the day. Even if they are tired they may still be ready to go and can’t relax enough to actually fall asleep. A good routine that is quiet might help. An example routine would be a light snack, bath time, reading in bed, and then lights out.

3. Promote Physical Fitness: While being physically active won’t cause kids to go to sleep by itself, it can help with burning off a lot of their extra energy that can make it easier to fall asleep at night.

4. Limit Television Time: Many ADHD kids can become totally absorbed in shows they are watching on television which may make it even more difficult for them to fall asleep. Taking TV out a child’s bedroom or not allowing him or her to watch it near bedtime may help.

5. Reduce Stress and Activities: Many families have very hectic and busy lives and the afternoons and evenings are filled with activities and things that can cause stress. If you’re driving kids to soccer practice and running errands and going to another activity, it can really all become overwhelming and make it more difficult for all of you to relax.

6. Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Caffeine is often hidden in a lot of foods, especially different types of soda. Eating too much sugar can all have effects on kid’s blood sugar levels which can sometimes result in changes of extreme hyperactivity to feeling tired. By limiting these things, while they don’t cause ADHD or completely cure the symptoms if avoided, can help somewhat for parents who constantly struggle.

These are just a few tips for dealing with ADHD sleeping disorders in children. Do you have any suggestions? Share them in the comments below.