ALERT!!! NEW RESEARCH INDICATES ADHD MEDICATIONS MAY BE PREVENTING YOU AND YOUR CHILD FROM A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP!

 

DOES HE/SHE REALLY REQUIRE MEDICATION? ARE THE REWARDS WORTH THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The most common ADHD medications:

• Boost alertness
• Increase focus and attention

BEWARE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS! ALERT WHEN? FOCUS WHERE? Medications do not dictate with priority! “Stimulants in ADHD medications that boost alertness have a detrimental effect on sleep.” Katherine Kidwell, University of Nebraska

Before turning to medication, try other solutions:

• Journal sleep habits for two weeks to determine if poor sleep habit may be causing ADHD-like behavior in your child.
• Take a look at CURRENT routines and schedules
o Consider whether the lack of structure is the culprit
o REMEMBER, children feel secure with scheduling
• Try a more structured environment.
o Clear schedules
o Definite snack and dinner times
o Clear instructions for children to follow
o Clear homework location and expectation
o Clear bedtime routine including quieting down time with activities such as audio books, reading, or coloring.

After your child is prescribed medication:
• Journal sleep habits for two weeks
• Be sure to follow up with your child’s pediatrician and inform him of any noticeable changes, both good and bad!

Sleep is extremely important at any age. A good night’s sleep allows the body to rest and repair itself and the brain to retain all the information learned during the day and prepare for new information the next day!

“Common ADHD Medications Do Indeed Disturb Children’s Sleep” – by Aimee Cunningham NPR November 24, 2015

Tags: ADHD, Back To School, be kind to yourself, brain health, kids, Learning Strategies, School Routines, Sleeping, success

This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2015 at 11:07 am by admin and is filed under Specific Learning Disabilities. You can leave a response,