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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sleep Problems Common in Kids with ADHD

A Canadian study on ADHD and its effects on sleep has found that children who are diagnosed with the condition have more sleep problems than their non-ADHD counterparts. The study compared duration and depth of sleep between 15 children with ADHD and 23 children without.

“According to the results published in the journal Sleep, those with ADHD averaged significantly less total sleep time (499 min) compared with the control group (533 min). They also had reduced REM sleep (84 min vs. 100 min), and a smaller percentage of REM sleep out of total sleep time (17 percent vs 19 percent).” [Source: Reuters Health]

Dr. Reut Gruber, the study’s lead author, believes the results point to circadian rhythm issues, Circadian rhythm is the body’s “internal clock” and regulates sleep patterns. Gruber believes light therapy may help, and is currently evaluating its benefits.

Labels: sleep

Posted By: Aspen Education Group

Comments:

cosmo kramer on 7/1/2010
The more we learn about the effects of sleep disorders and the impact of inadequate sleep, the more apparent it becomes that this topic needs to get much more attention from parents, physicians and the media. Here's hoping that this study results in increased awareness of this important issue!