Do Children with ADHD Have Trouble Waking Up on Time? 

ADHD wake-up difficulty is a common challenge for children with ADHD. Many children with ADHD struggle with waking up on time due to issues with their sleep patterns, which can often be irregular. This difficulty in waking up can make their daily routine chaotic and stressful for both the child and their parents. 

How It Helps 

The ADHD wake-up difficulty is linked to the brain’s regulation of sleep, which can be disrupted in children with ADHD. These children might have trouble settling into a routine at night, leading to late bedtimes and difficulty waking up in the morning. Additionally, the impulsivity and hyperactivity associated with ADHD can interfere with their ability to rest effectively, causing them to feel sluggish or resistant to getting up. 

In some cases, children with ADHD may exhibit snoozing tendencies, where they repeatedly hit the snooze button or resist getting out of bed altogether. This can lead to delays in starting their daily routine, which can cause missed school buses, rushed mornings, and increased stress throughout the day. 

By establishing consistent sleep schedules and creating a calming bedtime routine, parents can help minimise ADHD wake-up difficulty. Reducing distractions before bed and ensuring a relaxing sleep environment can also support better sleep patterns and help children wake up on time. With these strategies in place, children with ADHD can experience smoother mornings and improved daily routines. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Clinical interviews and History Taking.  

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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

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.