Insomnia could explain why adults with ADHD traits report lower quality of life, according to a new study by the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience. In fact, at least one in four people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report suffering from a sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common. The study was published in BMJ Mental Health.

ADHD Traits Linked to More Severe Depression, More Severe Insomnia, and Poorer Sleep Quality

The three core symptoms of ADHD include poor attention, hyperactivity, and marked impulsivity. Affected adults often feel restless, have difficulty coping with stress, and find it harder to adapt to new situations. Mood swings and a higher risk-taking behavior can also be typical. “Our findings show a link between ADHD traits, the severity of insomnia, and reduced life satisfaction,” says Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton and lead author of the research paper. “We know that sleep disorders can impair neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotion regulation. At the same time, sleep disorders can arise from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, suggesting a reinforcing cycle between sleep disorders and ADHD.”

Researchers at the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (Prof. Eus Van Someren) examined data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online survey of more than ten thousand adult participants. The team analyzed the responses of 1,364 participants who had answered questions about ADHD traits, sleep disorders, circadian factors, depression, and quality of life. They found that ADHD traits were associated with more severe depression, more severe insomnia, lower sleep quality, and a preference for going to bed and getting up later.

Targeted Treatment Options

Both ADHD and the severity of insomnia were predictors of lower quality of life, with the analysis suggesting that insomnia was the potential link in this association. “Adults with ADHD traits may be more prone to poor sleep quality, insomnia, and bad moods, all of which lead to lower life satisfaction,” says Professor Samuele Cortese, co-author of the study and also from the University of Southampton. Further research is needed to understand these complex relationships. A better understanding could reveal treatment options that improve the quality of life for people with ADHD. For example, targeted treatment of sleep disorders in individuals with more pronounced ADHD traits through cognitive behavioral therapy or sleep restriction therapy could help improve their quality of life.