Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Treatment of Insomnias, Parasomnias, and Circadian Rhythm Disorders Associated With ADHD

Abstract

Abstract Sleep disturbances are frequent in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep complaints in individuals with ADHD may be due to behavioral factors (such as limit setting disorder), specific primary sleep disorders (including primary insomnia, delayed sleep phase disorder, parasomnias, restless legs syndrome, and sleep disordered breathing), the effect of the pharmacological treatment, or comorbid disorders. Therefore, sleep disturbances should be systematically screened for at each visit with patients referred for ADHD by means of subjective or objective tools. Empirical evidence for the treatment of sleep disturbances associated with ADHD is currently limited, although some trials show the efficacy/effectiveness and good tolerability of melatonin for sleep onset delay and a few studies provide support to behavioral interventions. Here, we provide an overview of the main sleep disturbances/disorders associated with ADHD, their diagnostic assessment and available therapeutic options. Our therapeutic recommendations are based on the integration of existing empirical evidence with our clinical experience.