ADHD and sleep trouble: how are they related?

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the current research was to explore the relationship between ADHD and sleep trouble using a large nation-wide population-based sample. It was hypothesized that (1) people with ADHD would be more likely to report sleep troubles than their non-ADHD peers, and (2) that mental health covariates would contribute to the relationship between ADHD and sleep troubles. Method: Using the Statistics Canada Canadian Community Health Survey of Mental Health (CCHS-MH) data base, a chi square analysis was used to compare participants with self-reported ADD/ADHD to participants in an age- and gender-matched control group on the frequency they experience sleep trouble. Next, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether mental health covariates such as General Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder I and II contributed to the relationship between ADD/ADHD and sleep trouble. Results: There was an increased likelihood of sleep troubles among respondents who reported a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD compared to those who did not report a diagnosis. Female respondents with ADHD reported greater sleep troubles than male respondents with ADHD, and increasing age predicted increases in sleep troubles. A comorbid diagnosis of depression also predicted an increase in reported sleep troubles. Conclusion: The current study indicated that ADHD is related to increased levels of sleep troubles, and that factors such as age, gender and mental health comorbidities contribute to the relationship between ADHD and sleep troubles. Clinicians should target sleep troubles and comorbid depression as part of a comprehensive approach to ADHD treatment.