A research study was just published in the medical journal ‘Sleep‘ which reports on a study of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and poor sleep efficiency. It documents that a measure of vigilance improves when these children use the medication methylphenidate.

The researchers split 37 children with ADHD into two groups - good sleepers and poor sleepers, based on testing. They then found that the poor sleepers had a significant improvment in their awareness and vigilance on the neuropsychological test called the CPT (continuous performance task) when they took methylphenidate.

Methylphenidate is the active medicine in the following ADHD medications:

• Ritalin
• Ritalin LA
• Ritalin SR
• Concerta
• Metadate CD
• Biphentin
• Daytrana
• Focalin
• Methylin
• Rubifen
• and others…

Sleep problems can be very common in individuals with ADD or ADHD.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends the following:

Experts recommend that children in pre-school sleep between 11-13 hours a night, and school-aged children between 10-11 hours of sleep a night.

Your child should follow these steps to get a good night’s sleep:

* Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
* Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
* Get a full night’s sleep every night.
* Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.
* Do not go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal before bedtime either.
* The bedroom should be quiet, dark and a little bit cool.
* Get up at the same time every morning.

Parents who suspect that their child might be suffering from a sleep disorder are encouraged to consult with their child’s pediatrician or a sleep specialist.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Sleep Medicine, Ritalin, Medicine for ADHD

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