Children with ADHD often face sleep problems that can impact their overall well-being. These sleep issues include trouble falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, and restless sleep. The reasons behind these difficulties are complex. ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity can make it challenging for children to wind down at bedtime.
Additionally, the medications used to manage ADHD symptoms may affect sleep patterns. Poor sleep can worsen ADHD symptoms, leading to difficulty paying attention and staying focused during the day. Parents and caregivers must establish a consistent bedtime routine and consult with healthcare professionals to address these sleep problems, as proper rest is vital for a child's development and academic success.
Clinical Trial
A clinical trial explored how physical activity (PA) can impact sleep quality in young adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this research, 33 children with ADHD, with an average age of 10.12 years, were divided into the intervention and the control groups. The intervention group participated in a specific physical activity program, which involved a 45-minute jogging session per week for 12 weeks.Both groups were assessed for four key sleep parameters before and after the intervention. These parameters included sleep efficiency (how well one sleeps), sleep onset latency (how quickly one falls asleep), sleep duration (how long one sleeps), and wake after sleep onset (how often one wakes up during the night).
Results
The intervention group showed significant improvements in sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and wake-after-sleep onset. Children in the physical activity program experienced better sleep quality, fell more efficiently, and woke up less frequently at night. On the other hand, the control group, which did not participate in the physical activity program, did not show the same level of improvement in these sleep parameters.Conclusion
This study emphasizes the positive effects of physical activity on the sleep quality of children with ADHD. It suggests that incorporating regular physical activity into the daily routine of children with ADHD can lead to better sleep, positively impacting their overall well-being and ability to manage their ADHD symptoms.__________