Child Sleep Issues: The Link Between Childhood ADHD and Sleep Problems

Kim West, MSW, Mom of 2, creator of The Sleep Lady Shuffle

An interesting article was just published in the New York Times outlining the links between childhood ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and child sleep issues.  Of course, we all hear on the news about how ADHD is increasing among our kids, and how this can affect their schoolwork and other areas of their lives as they grow up.  However, much research is still being done to better understand its’ origin.

Interestingly, the sleep problems these experts are concerned about, such as snoring, most parents think of as “cute and meaning that their child is sleeping deeply and soundly.”  On the contrary, current research suggests that common breathing problems such as snoring are signs for parents and pediatricians to keep an eye out for!

Another remarkable point brought about by this article is that many parents are simply uninformed about how many hours of sleep per night their children should be getting.  Unlike how sleep deprivation can affect us as adults (feeling sluggish, or drowsy), sleep deprivation for children can cause the behaviors we see in ADHD (being “wired” or “moody”).

What’s really great about this news is that we can learn from it.  We can become better educated in what healthy sleep looks like, and be sure to inform our child’s pediatrician when signs or symptoms of sleep disorders emerge.  In becoming educated parents on these topics, we can use what we are learning to better our kids’ sleep and even their future.

You can read entire article regarding ADHD and child sleep issues here: Attention Problems May be Sleep Related

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us by commenting below! For more baby, toddler, and family sleep tips and tricks, please subscribe to The Sleep Lady’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube channel! If you are looking for more sleep content, please check out Get Sleep Now-an exclusive members-only area designed to provide in-depth help and support during your sleep coaching experience.

Photography by tracy the astonishing on Flickr

Author: Kim West, MSW, Mom of 2, creator of The Sleep Lady Shuffle
My name is Kim West, and I’m the mother of two beautiful girls, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing child and family therapist for more than 21 years, and the creator of the original gentle, proven method to get a good night’s sleep for you and your child. My sleep journey began when I started experimenting with gently shaping my daughter’s sleep by not following the conventional wisdom at the time. After having success (and then more success with my second daughter!), I began helping family and friends and my step-by-step method spread like wildfire, exactly like an excellent night of sleep for a tired parent should!

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