Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition associated with inattention and hyperactivity. Researchers have found a connection between ADHD and sleep difficulties such as insomnia and night terrors.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with difficulty concentrating on tasks and restlessness. While trouble focusing and getting easily distracted are common symptoms, the condition may present differently for all individuals.
Symptoms usually start in early childhood. Some people may present with more symptoms of inattention, such as being easily distracted and losing personal possessions more often. Others may experience more symptoms of hyperactivity, such as restlessness or racing thoughts.
Read more to learn about ADHD and night terrors, whether there is a relationship between the two, and what you can do to improve your sleep.
ADHD has a strong association with sleep disturbances. A 2022 study investigated this association between sleep disorders and ADHD in children. They compared a group of children with ADHD with children with and without any sleep disorders.
The researchers came to the conclusion that children with ADHD were more prone to sleep disorders. They also noticed that the higher the children’s scores in ADHD symptoms, the more sleep disturbances they experienced.
In this study, 74.6% of children with ADHD had sleep disturbances, while only 25.4% of the children without ADHD had sleep difficulties. Sleep difficulties caused or worsened ADHD symptoms among the study participants.
The researchers called for more research to establish a relationship between sleep disturbances and ADHD.
Another 2025 study examined the connection between sleep difficulties and ADHD in adults. The study suggests that some factors predicted the severity of insomnia in adults with ADHD.
These factors include experiencing more severe symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention or hyperactivity, as well as being female. About 85.2% of the study participants reported low quality sleep, and between 43% and 85% reported experiencing insomnia symptoms.
Sleep difficulties seem to be common both among children and adults with ADHD. Sleep terrors have also been linked with ADHD.
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A 2021 review investigated the effectiveness of various sleep improvement methods in people with ADHD. The researchers found that bright light therapy improved symptoms of insomnia, which they hypothesized could be due to delayed sleep chronotype.
A 2022 study suggests that children and teenagers with late chronotypes experience an increased risk of mood disturbances, such as anxiety and depression, and decreased sleep quality.
They also analyzed other methods, including using weighted blankets or trying out melatonin or behavioral therapy. Melatonin treatment also reduced self-reported sleep difficulties in people with ADHD.
Key Terms Explained
Bright light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposure to artificial bright light to regulate a person’s circadian rhythm and improve sleep.
A chronotype is our body’s unique sleep preference. People with a delayed sleep chronotype may have a different circadian rhythm, need to sleep for longer, and wake up later than the average person. People with an early sleep chronotype usually go to bed earlier and wake up earlier as well.
The circadian rhythm is our body’s sleep and wake cycle. It affects important body processes, such as body temperature regulation, and releasing hormones like melatonin when it’s time to sleep, and hormones such as cortisol when we’re supposed to wake up.
Travelling to a different time zone can disrupt someone’s circadian rhythm, which is called jet lag.
Other tips
Other sleep hygiene tips might be useful if you’re experiencing difficulty falling asleep. These
- going to sleep at the same time every day
- avoiding caffeine before bedtime
- keeping a diary of changes in your sleep patterns and daytime routine
- turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before going to bed
- avoiding large meals and alcohol before going to bed
- keeping your sleeping area at a cool temperature
- practicing regular physical activity
If the symptoms are severe, it’s important to consult a doctor or ADHD specialist who can advise whether certain medications may be helpful for your condition.
ADHD is a condition characterized by symptoms such as restlessness, inattention, and difficulty concentrating on daily tasks.
Research has found a correlation between sleep difficulties, including night terrors, and ADHD. More people with ADHD appear to experience symptoms of insomnia than the general population.
Bright light therapy can be a good option for improving sleep.