Insomnia may help explain why adults with ADHD traits often report a lower quality of life, new research has found.
Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits may experience reduced life satisfaction, with insomnia identified as a possible contributing factor.
At least one in four people with ADHD report a sleep disorder, with insomnia – difficulty falling or staying asleep – being the most common.
Professor Samuele Cortese, a co-author on the study, from the University of Southampton, said: “Adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to have low sleep quality, insomnia complaints, and low mood levels, all of which lead to reduced life satisfaction.
“There needs to be more research to understand this complex interplay.
By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that improve the quality of life of people with ADHD.
“For instance, targeting insomnia complaints in individuals with higher ADHD traits, with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or sleep restriction therapy may help improve their quality of life.”
Researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience analysed data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online survey of more than 10,000 adults.
They focused on responses from 1,364 participants who had answered questions about ADHD traits, sleep disturbances, circadian patterns, depression and quality of life.
The team found that stronger ADHD traits were linked with worse depressive symptoms, more severe insomnia, lower sleep quality and a tendency to go to bed and wake up later.
Both ADHD and insomnia severity predicted lower life satisfaction, with analysis suggesting insomnia could be the potential link between the two.
Our findings show a link between ADHD traits, insomnia severity, and reduced life satisfaction,” said Dr Sarah L. Chellappa, associate professor in psychology at the University of Southampton and senior author on the research.
“We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioural and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation.
“At the same time, sleep disruption may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD.”
