Insomnia could be the hidden cause of poor quality of life in adults with ADHD, finds study

By Admin

16 Jul, 2025

A recent study has shed light on a critical, yet often overlooked, factor affecting adults with ADHD   insomnia. Conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton, UK, and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, and published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Mental Health, the study suggests that sleep disturbances may significantly reduce the quality of life in adults showing symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD and Its Lifelong Effects

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, with hallmark symptoms such as hyperactivity, restlessness, and difficulty maintaining attention. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder linked to delayed maturation in the prefrontal cortex   the part of the brain responsible for focus and decision-making.

While ADHD is often associated with children, many adults continue to experience symptoms that can disrupt various aspects of life, including relationships, work performance, and mental well-being. The new study highlights that insomnia may be a major, yet underrecognized, contributor to these disruptions.

What the Study Found

Using data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, the researchers examined responses from 1,364 middle-aged and older adults. Participants answered questions about ADHD traits, sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, depression, and overall quality of life.

Key findings include:

• Adults with ADHD symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity reported more severe insomnia.
  
  

• These individuals also showed lower sleep quality and a preference for late sleep and wake times (a delayed circadian rhythm).
  
  

• Insomnia severity was a significant predictor of lower life satisfaction, even more than the ADHD symptoms themselves.
  
  

The ADHD-Insomnia Feedback Loop

According to Sarah L. Chellappa, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Southampton and senior author of the study, "Sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation."

She explains that sleep disruption can stem from ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, creating a vicious cycle where poor sleep exacerbates ADHD symptoms, which in turn further disturbs sleep.

The study also points out that people with ADHD are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with sleep disorders than the general population. These disturbances may appear as:

• Difficulty falling asleep
  
  

• Restless movements during sleep
  
  

• Daytime sleepiness
  
  

• Shorter overall sleep duration
  
  

The Role of Genetics and Cognition

The researchers suggest that genetic variations related to the body clock and differences in thought processes among people with ADHD may play a role in these sleep challenges.

As co-author Samuele Cortese notes, "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."

What’s Next?

The findings call for more research to understand the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep. As Cortese points out, uncovering this connection could open the door to targeted treatment options aimed at improving sleep quality, and thereby the overall well-being of adults with ADHD.

By recognizing and treating insomnia as a key co-occurring condition, healthcare providers might significantly improve life satisfaction and mental health outcomes in adults living with ADHD.

Conclusion:
This groundbreaking study makes it clear   treating insomnia may be just as crucial as managing ADHD symptoms. It’s time we recognize sleep not as a side issue but as a central component of ADHD care in adults.