Sleep Problems in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood. ADHD; is a heterogeneous developmental disorder characterized by distraction, impulsivity, irritability and hyperactivity. Studies have shown that approximately 25-50% of children and adolescents with ADHD have sleep problems and have significantly more sleep problems than healthy controls. Studies in healthy children show that inadequate sleep causes attention and behavioral problems, impulsivity, and serious impairments in social and academic functioning. It was found that sleep problems were associated with increased risk for psychiatric problems. In ADHD patients, lifelong and personalized treatment strategies are needed for the treatment of sleep problems. Many patients with ADHD may present with primary sleep complaints, or many patients with sleep difficulties may present with ADHD complaints. Clinicians need interventions to manage both disorders. In this study, we focused on the most common sleep disorders in children with ADHD and their relation with media use and sleep as a popular subject were also investigated. It is aimed to present the most recent studies on the prevalence of sleep problems in children with ADHD, the relationship with the clinic and treatment strategies and to shed light on some possible research areas. © 2018, Duzce University Medical School. All rights reserved.