Breaking the Cycle: How Treating Insomnia Could Transform Life for Adults with ADHD

A groundbreaking study has revealed that insomnia may be the hidden culprit behind the reduced quality of life experienced by adults with ADHD symptoms, offering new hope for millions who struggle with both conditions.

Researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience analysed data from 1,364 middle-aged and older adults, uncovering a troubling connection between ADHD traits and sleep disturbances that creates a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms.

The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, found that adults exhibiting ADHD characteristics, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, were significantly more likely to experience severe insomnia, poor sleep quality, and disrupted sleep schedules. Most concerning was the discovery that insomnia severity directly mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and diminished life satisfaction.

"We know that sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation," explained Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, the study's senior author and associate professor at the University of Southampton. "At the same time, sleep disruption may arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD."

The statistics paint a stark picture: individuals with ADHD are approximately eight times more likely to experience sleep disorders compared to the general population. Between 43% and 83% of adults with ADHD report insomnia, making it the most common sleep disorder affecting this demographic.

What makes this research particularly significant is its focus on older adults a population that has been largely overlooked in ADHD research until recently. The study's participants had a mean age of 52 years, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by adults who may have lived with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD for decades.

The findings offer a glimmer of hope, however. Unlike the genetic factors that influence circadian rhythms, insomnia is a treatable condition. The researchers suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep restriction therapy could be game-changing interventions for adults with ADHD traits.

"Adults with ADHD traits may be more likely to have low sleep quality, insomnia complaints, and low mood levels, all of which lead to reduced life satisfaction," noted co-author Professor Samuele Cortese. "By improving our understanding, we could uncover treatment options that improve the quality of life of people with ADHD."

The implications extend beyond individual treatment. Poor sleep in midlife and beyond has been linked to chronic diseases, suggesting that addressing insomnia in adults with ADHD could have broader health benefits and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

This research arrives at a crucial time, as awareness of adult ADHD has surged in recent years. Many adults are receiving diagnoses later in life, often after struggling with symptoms for decades without understanding their root cause.

For the millions of adults living with ADHD symptoms, this study offers more than just scientific insight it provides a roadmap toward better sleep, improved mental health, and ultimately, a higher quality of life.