Sleep Disturbances in Children With Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbances and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Method Empirical research published since 1970 on sleep disturbances in children with ADHD was systematically reviewed. A "box-score" approach was used to examine consistency of findings across the studies, which used different outcome measures.Results Although subjective accounts of sleep disturbances in ADHD were prevalent, objective verification of these disturbances was less robust. The only consistent objective findings were that children with ADHD displayed more movements during sleep but did not differ from normal controls in total sleep time. An additional finding was that stimulant medication led to changes in the children's sleep (e.g., prolonged sleep latency, increased length of onset to first rapid eye movement cycle), but these changes were believed to be nonpathological.Conclusions The exact nature of the sleep problems in children with ADHD remains to be determined. Many of the relevant issues have not been adequately addressed. Factors such as poorly defined diagnostic groups, small sample sizes, few studies, and methodological and procedural limitations make it difficult to determine the relationship between ADHD and sleep problems.
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ADHD involves a delayed sleep-phase symptom typical of sleep onset insomnia and other behavioural symptoms related to ADHD.
“ADHD also involves a delayed sleep-phase symptom (sleep disturbances) typical of sleep onset insomnia [116] and other behavioural symptoms related to ADHD [63].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [116]
ADHD is related to a delayed sleep-phase.
“As previously exposed, ADHD is related to a delayed sleep-phase [116].”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [116]
Circadian system dysfunction is also observed in ADHD.
“Lastly, circadian system dysfunction is also observed in ADHD.”
From Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review (2022) · cites this paper as [116]
The prevalence of sleep disturbances in individuals with ADHD is reported to be in the range 25-55%.
“the prevalence of sleep disturbances in individuals with ADHD is reported to be in the range 25–55 % (Corkum et al. 1998; Hodgkins et al. 2013; Owens 2005; Sung et al. 2008).”
From Associations of sleep disturbance with ADHD: implications for treatment (2015) · cites this paper as Corkum et al. 1998
ADHD is commonly associated with disordered or disturbed sleep.
“Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with disordered or disturbed sleep.”
From Associations of sleep disturbance with ADHD: implications for treatment (2015) · cites this paper as Corkum et al. 1998
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- Authors
- CORKUM, P., TANNOCK, R., & MOLDOFSKY, H.
- Affiliations
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Corresponding author
- CORKUM, PENNY
- Venue
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 1998-06
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 637-646
- ISSN
- 0890-8567 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2076746555
- Cited by
- 441
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 26 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 24
- FWCI
- 1.66
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and related disorders
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorders, children, sleep movements, total sleep time, sleep latency, REM sleep onset, objective sleep measurement
- MeSH terms
- Central Nervous System Stimulants, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Research Design, Sleep Wake Disorders, Sleep, REM, Comorbidity
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