ADHD Medications May Be Causing Sleep Problems For Your Child

Statistics show that 6.4 million American children between the ages of 4-17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--a chronic health condition that can cause difficulties paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. 

Researchers in Nebraska believe that medicines taken to help the behavioral health issue may be causing problems for children trying to fall asleep--with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep periods than those not on the medications.

The study authors analyzed nine previous studies that included a total of 246 children and teens--examining the relationship between ADHD medications and sleep. Researchers discovered that children on the medications took longer to fall asleep in general and were asleep for shorter amounts of time when compared to those not on the ADHD medications.

More specifically, the researchers found that methylphenidate medications--including Ritalin and amphetamines, like Adderall, can cause sleep problems. Though they were unable to determine whether varying dosage amounts changed the effects of sleep, they found that more frequent dosages made it more difficult for children to fall asleep.

"Make sure kids have a bedtime routine," said Dr. Trevor Resnick, chief of pediatric neurology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, who was not involved in the research. "Have them go to bed at the same time every night, and keep electronic devices out of the bedroom." 

The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

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