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Is there a connection between sleep patterns and ADHD? 

PostedAugust 20, 2025
UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice

Studies consistently show a close link between sleep and ADHD, with many individuals having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling refreshed. Poor sleep can worsen attention, emotional regulation, and behaviour making ADHD symptoms more noticeable and harder to manage.

Establishing healthy ADHD bedtime routines and addressing sleep disorders and ADHD together is crucial for overall wellbeing. 

Take an ADHD test now

How Sleep Affects ADHD Symptoms 

This is how sleep and ADHD affect each other. 

Difficulty falling asleep 

Racing thoughts, restlessness, and delayed melatonin production can make bedtime a struggle for people with ADHD. 

Sleep fragmentation 

Frequent night-time awakenings and lighter sleep stages reduce sleep quality and contribute to daytime inattention and irritability. 

Worsening of symptoms 

Sleep deprivation can worsen ADHD-related behaviours, creating a cycle of poor sleep and reduced focus. 

Solutions and routines 

Structured ADHD bedtime routines, calming activities before bed, and addressing underlying sleep disorders and ADHD (like sleep apnoea) can significantly improve both sleep and ADHD symptoms. 

Prioritising sleep hygiene and seeking professional guidance can make a real difference. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and strategies to improve both sleep and ADHD outcomes.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Environmental influences.

Take an ADHD test now
Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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