On reviewing the literature it’s clear that mental health disorders are more often than not tied to poor sleep quality and disrupted circadian rhythms. Our circadian rhythms are tied to the natural cycles of light and dark which means the wrong type of light at the wrong time of day or night can disrupt our circadian rhythms and thereby impact our sleep negatively.
Research shows the largest group of all age groups with ADHD have an evident sleep problem. Yet, often in Mental Health practice, sleep disorders with ADHD are perceived as a symptom of rather than having a causal effect. Accumulating research suggests that if we first help patients with their sleep, this can go a long way in overcoming symptoms of ADHD as well as helping indications of Depression or Anxiety. neuroCare Clinical Director and Psychiatrist, Dr Mark Ryan recently co-wrote an article published in the Journal of Neurotherapy, with an enlightening view on the role of sleep in ADHD.
ADHD or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition that makes it difficult for a person to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. When it comes to going to the dentist, patients with ADHD have a tendency to feel anxious or stressed which can make it hard for them to focus and sit still during a dental appointment.
I was recently asked if it was overkill to have a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a coach.
While this could seem excessive, the best approach to managing ADHD is through a support team with the various team members having very different functions.
“When I was a kid I was pretty good at day-dreaming. In primary school I would stare into space as soon as the teacher started talking.
I’m super excited to announce I’ve finally launched the new Patreon membership site for ADHD Support Australia to enable you to access our expert ADHD speakers online wherever and whenever you like!
It has been said that the drums are one of the few instruments that access the entire brain, stimulating all the main sectors. Active engagement of practically playing rhythms aid in syncing the left and right hemispheres of the brain; leaving us feeling more connected with ourselves.
Finally, a study that can support my clients in moving forward! If you think it’s tough for kids with ADHD to thrive amongst the social stigma, then imagine how it feels for an adult with ADHD, given most of our population is not aware that ADHD may persist into adulthood. Late last year a study was released called “Positive Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.”
WHY CAN’T MY CHILD WITH ADHD SLEEP AT NIGHT?
Does your child struggle to sleep each night? Do they pop in and out of bed multiple times for a drink of water, to ask yet another “burning” question that can’t wait until the morning, or want another goodnight hug? Do they wake often in the night and have trouble re-settling themselves? Are they difficult to wake in the morning?
The screaming, the crying, the anger, the hitting, kicking etc can go on and on and on.
For a parent a meltdown can be confronting, challenging and, honestly, quite inconvenient!
Spend any time perusing ADHD forums or ADHD Facebook pages and chances are you will come across Pyrroles, Pyrroluria, Kryptopyrroles or Mauve factor (all the same condition). You might be wondering; What the heck is Pyrroles and why am I hearing so much about it?
