Childhood ADHD diagnoses have become increasingly common. At the same time, children are sleeping less than ever before. This raises an important question: could ADHD really just be a lack of sleep?

While the exact causes of ADHD are still unclear, research suggests that sleep problems and ADHD symptoms are closely linked. In fact, many behaviours that look like ADHD—such as inattention, fidgeting, and impulsivity—can also be caused by sleep deprivation.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a medical condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It is usually broken down into three types:

• Inattentive type (ADD): zoning out, not listening, forgetfulness.

• Hyperactive/Impulsive type: fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty sitting still.

• Combined type: a mixture of both inattention and hyperactivity.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder, affecting around 5.3% of children worldwide (Polanczyk, de Lima, Horta, Biederman, & Rohde, 2007). Children with ADHD often experience challenges in school, difficulties with friendships, and sometimes additional issues such as anxiety or behavioural problems (Willcut, 2012).

Could Lack of Sleep Explain ADHD Symptoms?

Sleep deprivation can mimic many ADHD traits. When children do not get enough rest, they struggle with attention, working memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

In one study, children who had their sleep restricted received more negative attention comments from their teachers (Fallone, Acebo, Seifer, & Carskadon, 2005). Hyperactive behaviour, surprisingly, can also be a way for tired children to fight fatigue and stay awake.

With today’s technology, late-night screen use is a growing problem. About 96% of Americans under 30 use a device in the hour before bed, and nearly half of children aged 6–10 have a television in their bedroom (Calamaro, Yang, Ratcliffe, & Chasens, 2012). This stimulation makes it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The Two-Way Relationship Between ADHD and Sleep

The connection between ADHD and sleep works both ways. Children with ADHD often have trouble sleeping, and poor sleep makes their ADHD symptoms worse. Sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep-related breathing problems can be common in children with ADHD, and treating these issues can sometimes reduce daytime symptoms.

But which comes first—the sleep problems or the ADHD? Research shows that in some cases, severe sleep issues in infancy can predict ADHD years later (Thunstrom, 2002). This suggests that sleep problems may play a role in the development of ADHD itself.

What Parents Can Do

Since sleep and ADHD symptoms are so closely linked, it’s a good idea to start with sleep when concerns arise. A helpful tool is the BEARS sleep screening test:

• B – Bedtime issues

• E – Excessive daytime sleepiness

• A – Awakenings during the night

• R – Regularity and duration of sleep

• S – Snoring

Some simple steps that can improve sleep and reduce ADHD-like behaviours include:

• Keeping a regular bedtime routine.

• Avoiding caffeine and energy drinks in the evening.

• Turning off screens at least one hour before bed (especially video games and interactive devices).

• Considering medical options (such as tonsillectomy for snoring or sleep-related breathing problems).

Healthy sleep—about 8 hours a night for most school-aged children—improves concentration, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

ADHD is not “just” a lack of sleep. It is a complex condition with multiple causes. However, sleep problems can make symptoms worse and, in some cases, may even contribute to the development of ADHD.

For parents concerned about their child’s behaviour, starting with sleep is often the simplest and most effective step. Better sleep can mean fewer difficulties during the day, and sometimes, it makes all the difference.

References

Calamaro, C.J., Yang, K., Ratcliffe, S., & Chasens, E.R. (2012). Wired at a young age: the effect of caffeine and technology on sleep duration and body mass index in school-aged children. J Pediatr Health Care, 26(4), 276-282. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.12.002

Fallone, G., Acebo, C., Seifer, R., & Carskadon, M.A. (2005). Experimental restriction of sleep opportunity in children: effects on teacher ratings. Sleep, 28(12), 1561-1567.

Polanczyk, G.V., de Lima, M.S., Horta, B.L., Biederman, J., & Rhode, L.A. (2007). The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(942-948).

Thunstrom, M. (2002). Severe sleep problems in infancy associated with subsequent development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at 5.5 years of age. Acta Paediatr, 91(5), 584-592.

Willcut, E.G. (2012). The prevalence of DSM-IV Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A meta-analytic review. Neurotherapeutics, 9(490-499).