Sleep Problems in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Current Status of Knowledge and Appropriate Management.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to provide updated information on the management of sleep problems in children with ADHD, including the potential use of melatonin.
Results Summary
Melatonin is identified as a potential treatment option for ADHD children with severe sleep problems, alongside other medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine. The abstract suggests that current practices are based on expert consensus, with emerging evidence from meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials.
Population
Children and adolescents with ADHD experiencing sleep problems.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
good sleep hygiene | decrease | sleep problems | ADHD children | - | can be considered as the first-line treatment option | #1 |
modifying the dose regimens, formulation, or alternative stimulants | decrease | sleep problems | ADHD children | - | when sleep problems are encountered | #2 |
atomoxetine | decrease | sleep problems | ADHD children with more severe sleep problems | - | potential choices for | #3 |
once daily guanfacine extended release | decrease | sleep problems | ADHD children with more severe sleep problems | - | potential choices for | #4 |
melatonin | decrease | sleep problems | ADHD children with more severe sleep problems | - | potential choices for | #5 |
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5 % of children and adolescents, and sleep problems are common in these patients. There is growing evidence informing the significant importance of sleep problems in youth with ADHD. The sleep problems in children with ADHD include specific sleep disorders and sleep disturbances due to comorbid psychiatric disorders or ADHD medications. The specific sleep disorders of ADHD children include behaviorally based insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, and restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder. Current practices on the management of sleep problems for ADHD children are based mostly on expert consensus, whereas more evidence-based literature can be found only recently. Assessment of the sleep conditions in ADHD children before initiation of pharmacotherapy is the currently recommended guideline, and good sleep hygiene can be considered as the first-line treatment option. In addition to modifying the dose regimens, formulation, or alternative stimulants when sleep problems are encountered in ADHD children, atomoxetine, once daily guanfacine extended release, and melatonin are potential choices for ADHD children with more severe sleep problems. In this review, we aimed to provide the most updated information, preferably based on meta-analyses, systemic review, and randomized controlled trials published in the latest 3 years, in order to be clinically useful for practitioners and clinicians.