People with traits of ADHD often report feeling less satisfied with their lives, and a new study suggests that insomnia might be one of the main reasons why.
Researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience found a strong link between ADHD symptoms, poor sleep, and low quality of life.
The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, looked at data from more than 1,300 adults who took part in the Netherlands Sleep Registry, a large online survey. These participants answered questions about ADHD symptoms, sleep habits, depression, and how satisfied they were with their lives.
The results showed that people with more ADHD traits were more likely to struggle with sleep—especially insomnia—and to experience symptoms of depression. They also tended to prefer staying up and waking up later than others.
Both ADHD and insomnia were linked to a lower quality of life. The researchers believe that insomnia may be a key factor connecting ADHD and reduced well-being.
Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, senior author of the study, explained that ADHD can make it harder for people to sleep due to restlessness and impulsivity. At the same time, poor sleep can worsen problems with attention and emotion, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.
Professor Samuele Cortese, another co-author, said that adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to suffer from poor sleep, insomnia, and low mood—all of which can lead to reduced life satisfaction. He added that understanding this complex connection could help doctors and therapists find better ways to support people with ADHD.
One promising approach might be to treat sleep problems directly. The researchers suggest that therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or Sleep Restriction Therapy could help improve sleep, and in turn, improve quality of life.
The paper, titled “Associations of ADHD symptom severity, sleep/circadian factors, depression, and quality of life,” is now available in BMJ Mental Health. The team hopes their findings will lead to more research on the role of sleep in ADHD and how improving sleep may help people live happier, healthier lives.
For more information about ADHD, please see recent studies about Nutrition’s role in managing ADHD: what you need to know and results showing that Food additives and ADHD: what parents should know.
If you care about ADHD, please read studies about 5 signs you have ADHD, not laziness, and new drug to reduce daydreaming, fatigue, and brain sluggishness in ADHD.
The study is published in BMJ Mental Health.
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