My child has ADHD. What are some strategies I can use to make sure he gets the best sleep possible.
Sleep problems – such as coming in and out of the room at the start of the night or wanting mom or dad next to them as they fall asleep at the start of the night – are very common in children with ADHD. Some children can also be quite anxious and this stops them getting to sleep too. Research has shown that having a good bedtime routine and good “sleep hygiene” can all help a child with ADHD get to sleep more easily. “Good sleep hygiene” includes:
• having a set bedtime and sticking with it;
• having a regular bedtime routine (for example, bath, dinner, TV, quiet play/read, then bed);
• keeping the bedroom media-free as light coming from smart phones and tablets blocks our natural sleep hormone – melatonin;
• avoiding caffeine containing drinks and foods after 3pm and
• keeping the bedroom cool and dark.
