How ADHD Affects Adults: Sleep Is the Missing Link, According to New Study

By  at July 19, 2025  , , , , , ,  No comments




A milestone research in BMJ Mental Health discovers that low sleep quality and insomnia may be key contributing factors to the lower quality of life of adults with ADHD. Led by researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, the research identifies how better sleep can lead the way to better mood, focus, and functioning in people with ADHD.


ADHD and Adult Insomnia: A Vicious Cycle


ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is widely associated with children, but symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity persist into adult life. Far less well known is the strong link between adult ADHD and long-term sleep problems, including insomnia.


Main Findings of the Study:


ADHD symptom adults were more likely to have insomnia and poor sleep quality.

The research on over 1,300 participants in the Netherlands Sleep Registry employed detailed questionnaires to assess sleep behaviors, symptoms of ADHD, mood, and quality of life.


The ADHD–Insomnia Feedback Loop


Senior author and associate professor of psychology at the University of Southampton Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa pointed out the two-way connection between ADHD and sleep:

 "Sleep disturbance impacts attention and emotional regulation. In the meantime, impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD worsen sleep disturbances."

This self-reinforcing loop means that insomnia and symptoms of ADHD not only co-exist, but also fuel one another. Worse still, adults with ADHD are even 8 times more likely to be diagnosed with a sleep disorder compared to those without ADHD.


Why Adults with ADHD are More Likely to Have Sleep Disorders


Biological and Behavioral Triggers:


The study also asked why adults with ADHD are uniquely at risk for chronic sleep disruptions. Researchers pointed to some underlying causes:

  • Differences in cognitive processing
  • Genetic influences on circadian rhythms
  • Delayed internal clocks
  • Struggling with daily routines

These disturbances can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested—even after an eight-hour night's sleep. Some common sleep issues include:

  • Struggling to fall asleep
  • Nightly waking up frequently
  • Shortened total sleep time
  • Diurnal tiredness and drowsiness


Treating Insomnia to Improve ADHD Symptoms and Quality of Life


Sleep issues must be treated as an inherent part of ADHD management in adults, Dr. Samuele Cortese, a study co-author, said:

"Adults with ADHD features report poor sleep, low mood, and reduced well-being. These need to be addressed holistically."


Sleep Treatments Recommended for Adults with ADHD:


By addressing sleep quality initially, clinicians may be able to unlock each of the following areas for improvement—attention, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.

This research is grounded in growing acceptance of the fact that ADHD is less about attention or impulsivity. In most adults, sleep disorders are a fundamental—and treatable—issue that impacts nearly all aspects of life. 


What Healthcare Providers Can Do:


  • Screen for sleep disorders on a regular basis in adults with ADHD.
  • Add sleep assessments to ADHD evaluations.
  • Offer comprehensive treatment plans that address both ADHD symptoms and sleep problems.


Last Word: Sleep May Be the Missing Ingredient to Better ADHD Outcomes


For adults with ADHD, improved sleep may be the single best thing that can be done in the way of better quality of life. This study encourages both patients and clinicians to recognize insomnia as not a side effect, but an integral aspect of treating ADHD.

By focusing on sleep, we can help more people achieve not only better sleep—but better relationships, productivity, emotional health, and all-around satisfaction with life. 

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