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Sleep loss can heighten symptoms in children with ADHD

By Staff Writer

Students with ADHD can struggle with their schoolwork, especially those who do not receive a proper diagnosis or medical help. Now, new research published in the journal Sleep has shown that losing even a small amount of nightly rest can cause these adolescents to experience higher levels of inattention.

Individuals who display symptoms of hyperactivity, or who struggle to concentrate and control their impulses for a period of six months or more may be identified as having the disorder.

The sleep study participants were 9 years old on average. Eleven members had been diagnosed with ADHD prior to the experiment and 32 acted as controls.

Over the course of six days, the test group reduced their sleep time by 55 minutes each night, while the control set lost slightly less rest.

While participants from both groups showed poorer score results on a neurobehavioral test at the end of the week, the grades of subjects who suffer from ADHD dropped into a clinical range of inattention.

The researchers said they believe that small changes in the routine of a child with ADHD can throw off their sleep pattern and cause them to experience more pronounced side effects.

Schools for troubled teens can offer specialized programs to fit the needs of individuals with ADHD.

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