ADHD Sleep Issues in Children: An Expert Guide on How to Help ADHD Child Sleep

Every parent knows what a battle bedtime can be, especially if their child has ADHD-related concerns such as waking multiple times each night, resisting settling down, and having high energy levels. These problems are common and can be exhausting for everyone involved. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I understand the toll this can take on a child’s performance, mood, and activity levels.

Sleep is especially important for growing children, so this article will discuss how ADHD impacts sleep and natural, drug-free ways (including Sound for Sleep by SoundSory) to encourage better rest.

How Common Are Sleep Problems in Children With ADHD?

Studies show that between 25 and 55% of children and up to 75% of adolescents with ADHD have sleep problems. Not all sleep problems are alike, even in children with the same condition. For instance, children with ADHD who struggle to get good rest may do so as a result of medical issues or behavioral concerns. By pinpointing the cause of a child’s sleep problems, providers and parents can both work to find the most effective solutions.

What ADHD-Related Sleep Problems Look Like in Children

Parents are more familiar with their children than anyone else is. So, while providers can offer their professional opinions based on clinical judgment, checklists, and assessments, a parent’s input is very valuable. As a result, parents are well-positioned to recognize patterns in their child’s behaviors and responses. These can indicate what the root cause of a child’s sleep problems is.

Bedtime Resistance and Stalling 

This is perhaps one of the most obvious ways a child with ADHD reacts to bedtime. They may beg and plead with their parents to stay up 10 more minutes until they are done playing a game or after their show ends. Some children may have tantrums about not wanting to go to bed or continually ask questions to buy themselves some time. They may also resist bedtime in more subtle ways, such as by asking to use the bathroom, going to get a drink of water, or finding a snack.

In most cases, children who put off going to bed are trying to test your limits, but they may also want to be with you until you both fall asleep. Either way, these behaviors can push a child’s bedtime off, leading them to get less sleep over time.

Racing Thoughts and Trouble Falling Asleep 

ADHD commonly causes high energy levels, which often impact the body and the mind. In particular, racing thoughts often keep individuals with ADHD from effectively settling down for the night. Younger children may not be able to tell you when something like this is happening, but you may see certain signs. Sometimes these thoughts may come out in the form of questions like asking parents to check under their bed or in their closet for monsters or expressing somewhat vague concerns that something bad will happen during the night.

Older children and adolescents may report feeling like their body needs sleep (“I can’t keep my eyes open”) but that their mind is wide awake and preventing them from drifting off. Their thoughts may be dwelling on regret or shame over something that happened during the day that bothered them or anxiety and tension over what tomorrow will bring. The disconnect between a child’s body and mind is a common cause of poor sleep, as it can be difficult to get both parts of oneself on the same page.

Frequent Night Wakings 

Some children with ADHD have little to no problems falling asleep, but they have a hard time staying asleep. When they wake up during the night, they may begin playing and going about their business or they may come into their parents’ room for reassurance, company, and help getting back to sleep. Either option stands to have a negative impact in several ways.

It’s also possible for a child with ADHD to wake up multiple times each night, which can be even more disruptive in the event they seek out their parents at every turn. Regardless of how a child responds to nighttime wakings, this impacts their ability to complete a full sleep cycle and can lead to daytime sleepiness and other sleep-related concerns.

Early Morning Waking 

Similar to nighttime wakings that interrupt a good night’s sleep, early morning waking can be just as disruptive to a child’s sleep health. In addition, these early morning wakings can influence the routines and sleep of other family members. Depending on how early in the morning a child wakes up, parents may struggle with the decision to help their child get back to sleep or get them ready to start their day. This can especially be a drain on family well-being during “off times,” such as weekends, holidays, and vacations when many choose to sleep in.

In the event a parent does get their early-waking child back to sleep, they may have even more difficulty waking up again when it’s time for school, meals, or other activities. This can dovetail into another ADHD-related sleep problem, which we will discuss next.

Extreme Difficulty Waking Up in the Morning 

Mornings can be one of the most difficult times of the day, as many people need extra time and space to acclimate to being awake again. Some children sleep deeply, which leads them to have particular difficulty waking up in the morning, regardless of the time. This can understandably strain parents who have hectic mornings with early work schedules or multiple children to get up and out the door in a timely manner.

When an older child or adolescent approaches the phase of life where they set their own alarms and are responsible for waking themselves up, they may hit the snooze one too many times or even accidentally turn off their alarm in an attempt to get more much-needed rest. This poses a problem regarding timeliness and can place a child in a bad mood when they are up, making completing a morning routine even more trying to walk through.

Restless, Fragmented Sleep 

We’re all familiar with restless sleep and those nights where you just toss and turn without really sleeping continuously. This can also impact children with ADHD, but, again, it may be difficult for them to express when it happens.

Parents can look for signs of children who appear to sleep through the night (either observably on the child’s monitor or based on parents not hearing any noise) but wake up exhausted and grumpy. Children who have ADHD are known to cycle through sleep stages differently. This may lead to them not fully entering deep sleep and instead getting a lot of light sleep or experiencing bits and pieces of each sleep stage without fully completing them.

Why Children With ADHD Struggle to Sleep

There are many reasons why these sleep problems impact children with ADHD. As we mentioned earlier, some causes are medical in nature, meaning they stem from the biological changes that ADHD causes in the body. Other changes may be behaviors that have evolved as a result of ADHD symptoms.

A Mind That Won’t Switch Off 

Children with ADHD tend to have a more difficult time regulating their emotions. This can lead their mind to be overactive with racing thoughts that don’t allow them to fall asleep easily. These thoughts can be anxious in nature or simply a product of their attention constantly shifting from one topic to another.

Anxiety and Bedtime Worries 

Similar to racing thoughts and an overly active mind during the evening, children with ADHD may have specific worries that cause delays around bedtime. It is common for people of all ages to experience more anxious thoughts during the evening and nighttime since it’s usually the only time of day when a person is quiet, idle, and unoccupied. This time gives our minds the freedom to wander, which (for some people) allows their anxiety to worsen. 

Bedtime worries may come out with children who have existing anxiety that impacts them during the daytime, but it can also occur in children and adolescents who do a good job of reining in their anxiety when they need to get things done. However, many times, the body and mind don’t view sleep as a ‘task to get done,’ which can worsen this anxiety surrounding bedtime.

Disrupted Circadian Rhythms and Delayed Body Clocks 

Evidence shows that children with ADHD have smaller pineal glands, which are the part of the brain that produces a natural sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. With a smaller pineal gland and lower melatonin levels, children may have difficulty getting to sleep. This biological change also influences a child’s natural body clock (called circadian rhythms), meaning their natural sense of time related to sleeping and waking is disrupted. This leads children with ADHD to be awake and alert at the time they should be winding down or sleeping through the night.

Stimulant Medication Side Effects 

ADHD medications (especially stimulants) can also get in the way of bedtime for children who take them. If this type of medication is still active at bedtime, they may experience more alertness that prevents them from settling down for sleep. This is actually even the case for children without medication due to their energy levels. If you suspect this may be the case for your child, keep in mind that any and all medication adjustments should be made by your child’s doctor.

Sensory Sensitivities and the Bedroom Environment 

ADHD is one of several neurological conditions that can cause children to be overly sensitive to sensory stimuli. This means any range of temperatures, textures, noises, and lights can be overwhelming and overstimulating for children with this condition. Some surroundings may incorporate each of these types of input, making it difficult for children to settle in preparation for sleep.

Inconsistent Routines and Trouble With Transitions 

Routines and consistency are known to help with many conditions, ADHD included. They not only provide a sense of familiarity, but also allow for an easier time transitioning between activities. Inconsistent bedtimes (or bedtime routines) can make sleep problems much more difficult for kids with ADHD.

Co-occurring Conditions (Anxiety, Autism, Sensory Processing) 

Sleep problems are also prevalent with any number of other conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder. These other health concerns provide even more biological changes that contribute to ADHD-related sleep concerns. This can make management of sleep concerns more complex but even more essential to well-being.

How to Help a Child With ADHD Sleep Better – A 5-Step Approach

While many providers detail checklists that parents should follow to encourage good health in their children, the act of getting good sleep isn’t linear. There are several small changes that work together simultaneously to improve long-term sleep. Parents can follow these to make actionable changes that will strengthen their child’s sleep skills.

Build a Predictable Bedtime Routine 

‘Consistency is key’ is one of the foundations of any health intervention, and sleep is no different. Building a routine allows for that consistency as well as predictable timing and rituals that assist with sleep and sleep transitions. Work with your child to incorporate soothing, motivating activities and tasks that help their mind and body prepare for sleep. Over time, these activities will become ingrained in your child’s mind and will signal their nervous system to settle down, naturally encouraging sleep.

Optimize the Sleep Environment 

The environment is a big contributing factor to poor sleep, and there are many adjustments you can make in your child’s bedroom to improve their sleep. These include adding blackout curtains to allow for total darkness at night, removing any electronics (phones, tablets, TVs, computers, etc.) from the room 2 hours before bedtime, adding soothing sounds from a radio or music player, getting comfortable bedding (soft blankets, weighted or not), and achieving the ideal temperature around 72 degrees. The temperature can be adjusted through any combination of the home’s thermostat, a space heater, or a fan. These all work with one another to set the right tone for sleep. 

Calm the Nervous System Before Bed 

Relaxation techniques can be used to address anxiety by targeting the nervous system and helping it shift to a less active state. Guided visualization, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, calming audio, and more can all be used to help with anxiety prior to bedtime. Sound for Sleep by SoundSory is one way to seamlessly incorporate calming audio into your child’s bedtime routine. Sound for Sleep uses bone conduction to play a structured 8-night audio program that eases the nervous system, sending your child from alertness and anxiety to relaxation and calm. 

Address Anxiety and Bedtime Worries 

Anxiety in children may stem from difficulty regulating their emotions. Chatting about their feelings, using stories to promote positive emotions, and setting a good example for healthy coping strategies are all great ways to get started. Older children may benefit from journaling, drawing, and creative outlets to express their emotions and ‘leave them elsewhere’ before bed.

Align Daytime Habits With Better Sleep 

Just as nighttime routines and habits play a part in better sleep, what children do in the daytime also makes a difference. Some of the following habits can be especially helpful in encouraging good sleep during the night:

• Getting exercise (through sports, games, playgrounds, and comprehensive programs such as SoundSory) 
• Limiting caffeine (at least 12 hours before bed) and sugar intake (around 2 hours before bed)
• Exposing your children to morning light, which can be combined with physical activity by taking an early morning walk
• Restricting access to screens at least 2 hours before bedtime
• Planning naps thoughtfully so they don’t impact sleep

How Long Does It Take to See Improvement?

According to research, it can take 2 to 4 weeks of consistent changes to see a difference in your child’s sleep. Try to remain patient and forgiving with yourself during this time, and keep yourself focused on the long-term goal of teaching your child to get better sleep. Remember that sleep is a skill your child will carry with them for life, so educating them about the changes you are making and steps you are taking is just as important as doing them. This doesn’t have to be formal or structured, but explain to your child why you might be making changes to their room, for instance, and include them in the process so they are still comfortable.

The First Two Weeks – What to Expect 

This period is dedicated to adjustment, so it’s important to celebrate the small wins, like waking up one less time each night. During this time, don’t panic about real or perceived setbacks. You (and your child) are still getting used to new routines and habits, which takes time. Don’t panic or discontinue a strategy too soon, as you need to allow time for it to take effect.

When to Adjust Your Approach 

If your child’s sleep problems are worsening, that is a sign you may need to adjust your approach or incorporate another strategy. Make each change one at a time so you can observe and record your child’s response to each. Jotting this down may be a good idea so you can mention any concerns you have to your child’s doctor or therapist. If you have gradually tried each of these strategies with little to no success after 2-3 months, then it may be a good idea to speak with a professional for advice.

Why Progress Isn’t Linear 

Your child will have good nights of sleep and bad nights of sleep. This is common and isn’t an indication that a strategy isn’t working. It’s better to remain consistent in the face of such patterns and remember that no strategy is perfect nor will any one strategy lead to perfect sleep. We are looking for measured improvements that make a difference in your child’s health and well-being.

7 Common Bedtime Mistakes Parents Make 

Mistakes are common and shouldn’t be viewed as failures. Parents are doing their best to help their child, and that should be viewed as the most important motivation behind these sleep strategies. We will detail some of the most common bedtime mistakes that may arise, as well as how you can adjust them for better results next time.

Sending Children to Bed Too Early 

If you are sending your child to bed too early, they are more likely to stall and resist that bedtime because they don’t feel ready. Some parents may be doing this regularly because they may not be aware of how much sleep their child actually needs. If this is the case, talk to your child’s doctor about the best amount of sleep for them and make changes to their bedtime accordingly.

Inconsistent Routines on Weekends and Holidays 

When we mention consistency, this means a routine that is fixed every day. Not just on weekdays or school days, but also covering holidays, vacations, and weekends. The only exception may be sick days when children need more rest than usual. Taking days off from a consistent routine disrupts the body’s clock and sends a signal to activate the nervous system. This can make it more difficult to get back to that routine when you choose to do so.

Using Screens as a Wind-Down Tool 

The blue light from any electronic device delays sleep onset and can even make it more difficult to sleep through the night. While it may seem that watching a calming video or listening to some music with a visually appealing loop, blue light will stimulate the brain and make it even harder to settle down. Parents can replace this with a favorite toy, simple game, or some light physical activity.

Engaging in Power Struggles at Bedtime 

It may seem like the easiest way to get your child to adhere to their bedtime, but arguing and giving in to their resistance in the evening can only increase stress levels for everyone. This stress, coupled with your child’s own anxieties about bedtime, makes it even harder to fall asleep. Instead, engage your child in conversation to help compromise on what they want or jointly pick an activity to help them settle down.

Forgetting the Morning Routine 

Morning routines don’t need to be complicated to work. But the inclusion of some morning light exposure will certainly help pave the way for more consistent wake times. For younger children, it may be easier to put them in a stroller and take them on a walk as they gently wake up. For older children, you can advise them to sit on the porch, in a sunroom, or on a patio to get that light. You might want to pair this with a fun activity so they enjoy being outside, such as a nature walk or scavenger hunt.

Reacting Inconsistently to Night Wakings 

Consistent responses also help with your child’s nighttime wakings. It’s most ideal to decide one way to respond to them (for example, which strategy you want to try to get them back to sleep) and stick with that for the best results. By having mixed responses, your child may only get confused and even more anxious, which will in turn feed difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Trying Everything at Once 

Like we mentioned, the steps above are a great way to start addressing your child’s sleep problems. They do work together, but they aren’t meant to be implemented all at once. There are a few reasons for this. First, this makes it difficult to know what is working and what is causing more difficulty. Second, this doesn’t give your child time to acclimate to the consistency associated with one step and can be overwhelming. Try one strategy for 2-4 weeks, which allows you to gauge how it’s working. If it seems to be a success, keep it as a consistent part of their routine and move on to try another one. If it doesn’t seem to be a winning solution, try another week for good measure and then move on to another strategy. Repeat these steps until you have a solid plan for day and bedtime routines that help with sleep.

Sleep Strategies by Age – Toddlers to Teens

Too little sleep can be a bad thing, but many people don’t know that too much sleep can also be harmful for our health. Our sleep needs change across the lifespan, so it’s important to be aware of age-specific recommendations and strategies to help.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 3–5) 

Children in this age group need total assistance forming routines, but these tend to have a lasting impact. These routines pave the way for healthy sleep as your child ages.

School-Age Children (Ages 6–12) 

You can begin giving children more autonomy in choosing what their pre-sleep routine looks like. Parents should also be aware of the effects that age-related changes (such as sleepwalking) can have on their ability to get good rest.

Pre-Teens and Teens With ADHD 

Be on the lookout for mental health concerns (depression, anxiety disorders) and physical health concerns such as restless leg syndrome, vitamin deficiencies, etc., which can all have an impact on sleep. Teens also tend to have packed schedules, which can lead to stress impacting their sleep. Heavily include your child in these nighttime changes to keep them comfortable and prioritize their ability to make decisions.

Age	Recommended hours of sleep each day	Common Challenges	Strategies
Toddlers and preschoolers (3 – 5 years)	10 – 13 hours (across nighttime and naps)	Trouble moving from a crib to a bed; separation anxiety; fear of the dark; reacting strongly to overtiredness	Put toddlers to bed when they are drowsy and allow them to fall asleep from there; use comfort objects, nightlights, and visual trainers to signal when to sleep vs. wake up
School-aged children (6 – 12 years)	9 – 12 hours	Bedtime resistance, reliance on screen time before bed, nighttime anxiety, sleepwalking	Limit sugar and caffeine; remove electronics from the bedroom 2 hours before bedtime; ensure darkness and coolness in the bedroom; clear clutter to make the bedroom safe; practice consistency with wind-down activities before bed
Pre-teens and teenagers (13 – 18 years)	8 – 10 hours	Busy schedules; anxiety related to social conflicts; physical health concerns	Limit sugar and caffeine; stop using electronics and doing homework at least 2 hours before bedtime; encourage them to find and implement their own wind-down activities to practice before bed

Common Sleep Disorders Linked to ADHD

ADHD may occur in children who have other conditions, some of which are sleep disorders. Many sleep disorders present similarly, so we will detail the key differences between each so you can identify them in the event they arise in your child.

Insomnia (Sleep-Onset and Sleep-Maintenance) 

Sleep-onset insomnia occurs in people who have persistent difficulty getting to sleep. Sleep-maintenance insomnia is a form of insomnia where people have a hard time staying asleep once they do fall asleep. These types of insomnia can occur in people of any age, but they affect 43% of children with ADHD through adulthood. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes excessive relaxation of the breathing muscles located at the back of the throat. This leads to concerns such as snoring, frequent waking, and a lack of oxygen being sent to the brain. OSA impacts between 25 and 30% of kids with ADHD. As with many co-occurring medical conditions, children who are diagnosed with and receive treatment for OSA are likely to experience better daytime function and less sleepiness during that time period.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) 

Up to 54% of children with ADHD also experience Restless Leg Syndrome, which is a condition that causes very strong urges to move the legs. Understandably, this can cause sleep difficulties along with tingling and other creeping sensations, which can be particularly overwhelming for children with ADHD and sensory sensitivities.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

It is difficult to find recent prevalence rates for this condition and its impact on children with ADHD, but people who have this condition historically have difficulty sleeping. Similar to RLS, periodic limb movement disorder also causes involuntary leg movements during sleep.

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder 

Out of the children who have ADHD, it is estimated that about 33% have Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder. Some children with ADHD have late chronotype where this condition doesn’t present itself until adolescence. This condition causes a child’s sleep patterns (both for falling asleep and waking up) to be delayed around 2 hours past when it typically should.

Narcolepsy 

About 1 in 4 children with ADHD also have narcolepsy, which is a condition that causes extreme daytime sleepiness, falling asleep during the daytime with little to no warning in what are known as ‘sleep attacks.’

	Insomnia	Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)	Restless leg syndrome (RLS)	Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)	Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder	Narcolepsy
Key signs and symptoms	-Difficulty getting to sleep -Difficulty staying asleep -Daytime sleepiness -Frequent sleep awakenings -Anxiety (during the daytime and specifically about sleep), depression, and irritability -Difficulty focusing during the daytime -Accident-prone	-Interrupted breathing during sleep -Loud snoring -Frequent nighttime urination -Frequent sleep awakenings due to feelings of choking or fasting -Excessive daytime sleepiness -Morning headaches -Morning throat dryness or soreness	-Uncomfortable sensations when still or resting (creeping, crawling, pulling, throbbing, etc.) -Frequent leg twitching during sleep -Sensations that are often relieved through movement	-Frequent limb twitching during sleep -Daytime sleepiness -Difficulty falling asleep -Frequent sleep awakenings	-Falling asleep later than usual (around 2 hours) -Waking up later than usual (around 2 hours) -Daytime sleepiness -Poor daytime alertness	-Sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy) -Sleep paralysis -Extreme daytime sleepiness -Hallucinations related to sleep
When to consult a doctor	-Daytime drowsiness that causes safety concerns or impairs function	-Daytime drowsiness that causes safety concerns or impairs function -Snoring that consistently wakes people nearby -Frequent pauses in breathing during the night	-Leg discomfort is severe and impairs function	-Daytime drowsiness that causes safety concerns or impairs function -Symptoms are worsening	-Daytime drowsiness that causes safety concerns or impairs function -Symptoms are worsening	-Daytime drowsiness that causes safety concerns or impairs function -Symptoms are worsening

How Poor Sleep Makes ADHD Symptoms Worse 

Poor sleep makes many conditions, including ADHD, worse. When these symptoms get worse, they are likely to extend into the evening and can affect the ability to fall and stay asleep. Poor sleep stands to impact the following daytime ADHD symptoms:

• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty focusing
• Impulsivity
• Restlessness during the day
• Disorganization
• Poor time management

ADHD Medication and Sleep: What Parents Should Know

Some ADHD medications, especially stimulants, can impact a child’s ability to sleep at night. If you find this is the case, remember to never adjust your child’s medications on your own and always bring your concerns up with their doctor.

How Stimulants Can Affect Sleep 

One potential side effect of stimulants includes delayed sleep onset. While this doesn’t happen in every child who takes this class of ADHD medication, it is a possibility, so it’s important to monitor your child’s sleep when they start taking this medication.

Working With Your Doctor on Timing and Dosage 

Your child’s doctor may be able to make recommendations about when to take the medication and how much to take (less or more) to minimize its impact on your child’s sleep. Again, these are medical directions, so they must come from your child’s doctor and not online sources. 

Melatonin – When It Helps and What to Watch For 

Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement that can help some children with ADHD improve their sleep. While it is natural, evidence-based, and safe to use, it’s still important to consult your child’s doctor before using it. As with many of the other strategies we discussed in this article, melatonin is not meant to be a standalone fix for your child’s sleep problems and is best used when paired with other sleep strategies.

When to Talk to a Doctor About Your Child’s Sleep

If your child shows certain signs, it’s best to contact a professional about their sleep. Some professionals who can help include your child’s pediatrician, a child psychologist, and a pediatric sleep specialist. Contact them if you notice the following warning signs:

• Sleep problems are worsening or becoming severe
• Trouble during school and extracurricular activities due to excessive daytime sleepiness
• Severe emotional problems (anxiety, distress, tantrums) surrounding bedtime

Sound for Sleep by Soundsory: Bone Conduction Pillow Speaker for Children With ADHD

Sound for Sleep by SoundSory is a new, innovative pillow speaker that can help children with ADHD get better sleep. It uses bone conduction technology to cycle through 8 nights of structured music. Sound for Sleep is designed for children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. Bone conduction is an evidence-based way to listen to music and help the nervous system relax, making it a great fit for sleep.

Wrapping Up 

When it comes to sleep, progress looks different for each person and rarely moves quickly. It’s important to emphasize consistency over time to build a sense of calm surrounding your child’s sleep tendencies. Bedtime routines as well as soothing audio input can both dramatically impact your child’s sleep in the long term. If you are interested in choosing a stress-free, evidence-based audio program to help calm your child’s nervous system and usher them into a restful sleep, consider Sound for Sleep.

FAQs

Why can’t my child with ADHD fall asleep at night?

Medical concerns and behavioral problems are the most common reason kids with ADHD can’t fall asleep at night. Within these categories, there are several contributing factors that cause sleep problems.

How many hours of sleep does a child with ADHD need?

The number of daily hours of sleep each child needs is based on their age, not their health status. Consult your pediatrician for the most accurate number based on your child’s age.

Does ADHD medication cause sleep problems in children?

Some stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD can prevent children from falling asleep at night. This side effect may be present in some, but not all, children who take this medication.

Is melatonin safe for children with ADHD?

Yes, melatonin is a safe, over-the-counter supplement that can be taken by children with ADHD. However, you should consult your child’s doctor first to ensure it is the best fit for their sleep problems.

Can lack of sleep make ADHD symptoms worse?

Yes, a lack of sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse, just as ADHD symptoms can make sleep difficult. This can create a cycle where the two become difficult to control.

What is the best bedtime routine for a child with ADHD?

Any combination of calming activities practiced in a consistent manner is considered ideal for children with ADHD. This helps develop a sense of familiarity and predictability that is known to help with sleep.

Can calming audio or bone conduction help a child with ADHD sleep?

Yes, calming audio (specifically provided by bone conduction speakers such as Sound for Sleep) can help encourage sleep in children with ADHD.

When should I see a doctor about my child’s sleep issues?

If your child’s sleep concerns or anxiety and emotional distress surrounding sleep become severe, it’s best to contact a professional. In addition, extreme daytime sleepiness that interferes with activities such as socialization, extracurricular activities, and academic performance is another indication of a need for professional support.

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