freedigitalphotos.net by debspoons
Another night of tossing and turning, counting sheep and watching your ADHD run amuck, ruining your sleep. It’s a common scenario and sleepless nights are a common complaint of adults with ADHD. Almost every client I coach starts out saying they don’t get enough sleep.
It doesn’t seem fair, does it. Sleep seems like something that should just happen, a just reward for a day well-lived. It’s not something we really even think about – until it doesn’t happen.
But when you have ADHD, sleep is something you need to manage.
You need to pay attention to it and give it priority in your life. That means planning for it and sticking to those plans.
There are many reasons ADHD adults don’t get enough rest, and it can be frustrating. But the good news is that you can do something about it.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep with ADHD – Is it even Possible? Here are a few things you can do to ensure a good night’s sleep:
- Respect your need for sleep. As a society we don’t respect sleep. It’s the first thing we cut when we need more time in our day. And we treat sleeplessness as a badge of honor. Stop! Stop thinking that way right now and begin to honor sleep as an important part of your day.
- Create a bedtime routine. We create bedtime routines to help children settle down and feel ready to go to sleep. A bedtime routine can wield the same power for an adult with ADHD. Determine a few set things you’ll do each evening that help signal your body it is almost time to sleep –your own, personal, ADHD bedtime routine. Then stick to it.
- Set a timer. Having ADHD means you forget things, and you will forget to start your bedtime routine. So set a timer to remind you to begin your evening routine.
I know these are easier said than done. I understand you’re busy and you have so many things to do that this may feel overwhelming.
But sleep is one of the great natural remedies for ADHD.
When someone with ADHD doesn’t get enough sleep their symptoms are worse and everything is harder.
I want more for you than that. I want you to live a full life where you manage your ADHD challenges and revel in the benefits.
So I encourage you to take these few steps. Try them and see what happens. See if you get more sleep. And notice what happens when you’re well-rested.
Dana Rayburn is an ADHD Coach in Oregon, but don’t worry… She works by telephone helping ADHD adults all over the world live more effortlessly and successfully with ADHD.
Tired of struggling with ADHD? You’re in the right place. ADHD Success is loaded with free, practical tips to help you get organized, manage your time, and live more easily with Adult ADHD. Like what you read? Sign up for the newsletter now! No Spam. I promise!
Also, consider being checked for sleep apnea. Especially if you are overweight. I now sleep with a CPAP machine, and I sleep much better. I have read about connections between ADHD and sleep apnea – although I cannot put my finger on where.