Study links improvement in insomnia to lower severity of ADHD symptoms

Researchers at Barcelona’s Vall d'Hebron hospital find that sleep difficulties improved or disappeared in 44% of cases

Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona on August 23, 2019 (by Joana Garreta)
Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona on August 23, 2019 (by Joana Garreta) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

March 3, 2022 10:13 AM

A study led by the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Research (VHIR) and Cyber ​​Mental Health (CIBERSAM) has shed new light on the relationship between insomnia and ADHD

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is especially prevalent among people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

The study involved 92 adult patients with ADHD and insomnia whose symptoms were followed at baseline levels, at three months, and at six months. The severity and type of ADHD, as well as sleep problems, were also assessed at the beginning of the study. In addition, 70% of the participants also suffered from anxiety or depression.

Both at the beginning of the study and three months in, the participants were given recommendations for good sleep practices, such as maintaining a routine schedule, not drinking or taking other substances, sleeping in relaxing spaces, and avoiding screens before bed. If necessary, pharmacological treatment such as melatonin, benzodiazepines, or antidepressants was prescribed.

Thanks to the recommendations and prescribed medication, by three months insomnia had improved or disappeared in 44.6% of cases. Six months in, that rate rose to 72.4% of cases. 

A decreased use of mobile phones before going to bed and good sleep practices were associated with a better quality of sleep. With the improvement in insomnia, lower severity of ADHD symptoms was observed.

In cases where insomnia persisted, they were associated with the presence of other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, or the increased severity of ADHD symptoms. It was not related, however, to the type of ADHD the patient had.

Researchers say that the results of this study will help improve the treatment of ADHD and insomnia, and will offer a better understanding of the interaction between the two disorders.