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A new study has found that there is a link between reported lower quality of life and insomnia in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The new research, led by the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience and published in BMJ Mental Health, found that at least one in four people with ADHD report having a sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common of these.
The researchers examined data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online survey with more than ten thousand adult participants.
They completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SLS) and Cantril Ladder (CL) (QoL measures), Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire.
Reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD
ADHD traits were associated with lower quality of life, and it was partially mediated by insomnia severity. They also found ADHD traits were associated with worse depression, more severe insomnia, lower sleep quality, and a preference for going to bed and waking up later.
ADHD and insomnia severity both predicted a lower quality of life, with analysis suggesting insomnia was the potential link in this association.
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“Our findings show a link between ADHD traits, insomnia severity, and reduced life satisfaction,” says Dr Sarah L. Chellappa, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Southampton and senior author on the research paper.
“We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation. At the same time, sleep disruption may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD.”
Insomnia and depression
No sleep or circadian factor significantly mediated the association of the severity of symptoms of ADHD and depression. However, the authors suggest that future studies targeting insomnia complaints in this population may help mitigate their depression complaints and improve their quality of life.
“Adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to have low sleep quality, insomnia complaints, and low mood levels, all of which lead to reduced life satisfaction,” says Professor Samuele Cortese, a co-author on the paper, also from the University of Southampton.
“There needs to be more research to understand this complex interplay. By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that improve the quality of life of people with ADHD. For instance, targeting insomnia complaints in individuals with higher ADHD traits, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia or Sleep Restriction therapy may help improve their quality of life.”
