Child Mind Institute Provides Resources for Children with ADHD or Sleep Issues
Most children do not get enough sleep for a variety of reasons, from being energized and not wanting to go to bed to being overwhelmed by homework.
But for children with ADHD, the Child Mind Institute notes, these struggles can be compounded with the fact that difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up early are all common issues, and sleep problems can be a side effect of taking ADHD stimulant medication.
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The Child Mind Institute has shared resources regarding sleep issues for children with ADHD and what can be done to help them.
One article discusses how being able to wind down at night is a form of self-regulation and that children with ADHD have trouble stopping an activity they find stimulating - whether it’s reading or doing something online.
Another piece focuses on how caregivers can help children develop better routines to get to bed on time, such as providing support to help them set limits for themselves. If a child feels anxious about being able to fall asleep, the institute has provided tips on how to help them relax.
Occasionally, lack of sleep can cause children to have trouble focusing at school, according to one Child Mind Institute resource, and even lead to an ADHD misdiagnosis.
Below are the resources shared by the Child Mind Institute.