Insomnia Linked to Poor Quality of Life in Adults with ADHD

A recent study has identified insomnia as a significant factor that may contribute to a diminished quality of life for adults exhibiting symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This research, conducted by experts from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Mental Health. ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, characterised by symptoms such as restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulties with attention.

ADHD is linked to a delayed maturation of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for managing attention and focus. The study utilized data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry to explore the relationship between ADHD symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Findings reveal that adults with ADHD traits, such as inattention and hyperactivity, experience more severe insomnia and poorer overall sleep quality. Additionally, this demographic exhibited a tendency to prefer staying up late and waking up later in the day.

To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers analysed the responses of 1,364 middle-aged and older adults, focusing on various factors including ADHD traits, sleep disturbances, circadian rhythms, depression, and overall quality of life.

Sarah L Chellappa, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton and a senior author of the study, explained the implications of the findings: "We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioural and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation. Simultaneously, sleep disruptions may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, indicating a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD."

According to the study, individuals diagnosed with ADHD are approximately eight times more likely to experience sleep disorders compared to the general population. These sleep disorders can manifest in various ways, including delayed sleep onset, increased movement during sleep, daytime drowsiness, and shortened night-time sleep duration.

The authors stated, "We show that adult ADHD traits and insomnia severity were significant predictors of lower quality of life and that insomnia severity mediated this association."

The researchers suggested that the cognitive differences observed in individuals with ADHD, combined with variations in sleep and body clock-related genes, could be contributing factors to the interplay between insomnia and ADHD symptoms.

Co-author Samuele Cortese also noted, "Adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to experience low sleep quality, complaints of insomnia, and elevated levels of low mood, all of which contribute to reduced life satisfaction."

Cortese emphasised the necessity for additional research to understand the intricate relationships involved: "By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that enhance the quality of life for individuals with ADHD." The study underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues in adults diagnosed with ADHD, as doing so may have far-reaching implications for their overall well-being and life satisfaction.