ATLANTA – A recent study by the CDC found that Georgia has had a 41 percent increase in ADHD reports over the past two decades.
Release:
According to recent data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD reports in the US have increased by 37.3% from 2003 compared to the latest ADHD stats in 2019.
MattressNextDay worked with Shelley Farnham, Founder of Complex Connexions CIC which supports ADHD/Autism families to nurture calmness and connections revealing the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and sleep challenges. With approximately 8.7 million Americans diagnosed with ADHD, it’s crucial to recognize how ADHD can affect your sleeping routine, with 25-50% of ADHDers experiencing issues like insomnia, sleep apnea, and more.
The percentage of children (aged 3-7 years) diagnosed with ADHD in Georgia:
- 2003 reports: 9%
- 2016-2019 reports: 12.7%
- % increase in reports: 41%
In the research, sleep experts and ADHD advocates have offered insights into managing ADHD-related sleep challenges. From establishing a soothing bedtime routine to selecting a good book to read in bed, these are practical tips to promote better sleep for individuals with ADHD.
MattressNextDay spoke with an expert who supports families with ADHD on the impact of ADHD on sleep, revealing the common struggles individuals face with insomnia and racing thoughts that disrupt rest. With approximately 8.7 million Americans affected by ADHD [1], the team explored solutions to help achieve a better night’s sleep.
Research indicates a significant correlation between ADHD and sleep disturbances. According to the Sleep Foundation, 25-50% of individuals with ADHD encounter sleep problems, ranging from insomnia to sleep disorders like narcolepsy and sleep apnea[2]. These disturbances stem from neurological factors, such as circadian rhythm disruptions and overactive thoughts, exacerbating sleep-related challenges.
The U.S. has witnessed an increase in cases reported since 2003
Louisiana tops the list with 16.3% of children diagnosed with ADHD in 2016-2019, indicating a significant concentration of the condition in the state’s younger population.
But when comparing 2003 data to 2019, Utah comes out on top with an increase in reports by 96%, with 10% of parents reporting that their child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Colorado also witnessed an increase in ADHD diagnoses, with cases rising by 93%, respectively, over the past two decades.
Similarly, Mississippi and Connecticut have witnessed significant reports, with ADHD diagnoses increasing by 76% and 71%.
On the other hand, states like Nevada have experienced a decline in ADHD cases, with a decrease of 9% during the same period.
The findings below come from a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that asked parents in the US about their child’s health to monitor the number of children with ADHD.
| State | Reports 2016-2019 (%) | Reports in 2003 (%) | % Increase/Decrease of ADHD Cases in America |
| Utah | 10 | 5.1 | 96% |
| Colorado | 8.9 | 4.6 | 93% |
| Mississippi | 15.8 | 9 | 76% |
| Connecticut | 11.6 | 6.8 | 71% |
| Louisiana | 16.3 | 9.7 | 68% |
| Vermont | 10.6 | 6.5 | 63% |
| District of Columbia | 9.8 | 6.1 | 61% |
| Maine | 12.1 | 7.6 | 59% |
| Illinois | 9.3 | 5.9 | 58% |
| Indiana | 11.6 | 7.5 | 55% |
| Oklahoma | 11.7 | 7.6 | 54% |
| West Virginia | 14.6 | 9.5 | 54% |
| Missouri | 10.9 | 7.2 | 51% |
| Montana | 10 | 6.7 | 49% |
| Arizona | 8.2 | 5.5 | 49% |
| New Mexico | 8.4 | 5.7 | 47% |
| Idaho | 8.6 | 5.9 | 46% |
| Texas | 10.1 | 7.1 | 42% |
| Georgia | 12.7 | 9 | 41% |
| Kentucky | 13.2 | 9.4 | 40% |
| Kansas | 10.7 | 7.7 | 39% |
| Ohio | 11.6 | 8.4 | 38% |
| South Carolina | 12.7 | 9.2 | 38% |
| Arkansas | 12.8 | 9.4 | 36% |
| North Carolina | 12.1 | 8.9 | 36% |
| Oregon | 9.1 | 6.7 | 36% |
| New Hampshire | 11.9 | 8.8 | 35% |
| Iowa | 10.5 | 7.8 | 35% |
| Massachusetts | 10.7 | 8 | 34% |
| Tennessee | 12.5 | 9.4 | 33% |
| Delaware | 12.1 | 9.2 | 32% |
| Alaska | 8.6 | 6.6 | 30% |
| Wyoming | 8.7 | 6.7 | 30% |
| Maryland | 10.6 | 8.4 | 26% |
| Virginia | 10.8 | 8.6 | 26% |
| Wisconsin | 9.5 | 7.6 | 25% |
| South Dakota | 7.5 | 6 | 25% |
| California | 6.1 | 4.9 | 24% |
| Washington | 8.3 | 6.7 | 24% |
| Michigan | 10.6 | 8.6 | 23% |
| Nebraska | 7.5 | 6.1 | 23% |
| Rhode Island | 11.3 | 9.2 | 23% |
| Minnesota | 8.7 | 7.1 | 23% |
| Alabama | 12.7 | 10.4 | 22% |
| New York | 7.2 | 5.9 | 22% |
| Pennsylvania | 9.1 | 7.6 | 20% |
| New Jersey | 7.9 | 6.8 | 16% |
| Hawaii | 6.6 | 5.9 | 12% |
| Florida | 9.5 | 8.7 | 9% |
| North Dakota | 9 | 8.9 | 1% |
| Nevada | 6.3 | 6.9 | -9% |
Expert Insights and Tips for Improving Sleep in Individuals with ADHD
Shelley Farnham, Founder of Complex Connexions CIC – supporting ADHD/Autism families to nurture calmness and connections spoke with MattressNextDay on ways you can support those with ADHD who are struggling to get a restful night’s sleep.
She said: “ADHDers may struggle to switch off in the evening and make that transition to go to bed and then to sleep. If they’ve struggled to complete tasks during the day, due to procrastination or finding it difficult to initiate tasks, and they are then able to start those tasks late in the day, it can be difficult to stop as they’re unsure when they’ll be able to get back to being productive. They may make that transition to get to bed, but then find it difficult to calm their racing thoughts enough to fall asleep.
We asked if individuals with ADHD need to address sleep issues, and what are the potential consequences of not getting enough quality sleep?, she said: “I think it’s extremely important as the physical and mental effects of lack of sleep are well documented.Lack of sleep affects our executive function skills, such as organization and emotion regulation, and these can be areas where ADHDers already struggle, so the impact is increased.The cycle of perceived ‘failure’ to do what they intend to do is also very damaging to their self-esteem and self-belief, which then further impacts their ability to make positive changes.”
A healthy sleep routine and sufficient sleep allows the brain to live less in a survival state, meaning that it can access the higher cognitive abilities such as executive function skills, like focus, timekeeping, and planning. Attention and impulsivity can already be difficult skills for ADHDers and the impact of too little sleep on these can be very detrimental.
To address these challenges, Martin Seeley, Sleep Expert and CEO at MattressNextDay offers practical tips for managing ADHD-related sleep issues:
- Establish a Nighttime Routine: Use reminders on your phone or apps like Bedtime or Sleep Cycle to remind you when you should start winding down for bedtime.
- Avoid Stimulating Tasks Before Bed: Keep a notepad by your bed where you can see it, and write down the tasks that you’re thinking about doing – that way, you can pick them back up at another time when it’s not bedtime.
- Limit Screen Time: Try to start stepping away from screens at least an hour before bed, and keep your bedroom a screen-free zone. If you need to use your phone as an alarm, then consider putting it on charge across the room, not next to your bed.
- Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment: Some ADHD people respond well to ‘novelty’ and trying new things– so don’t be afraid to introduce new touches to help your sleep environment if your usual routine feels a little stale. A relaxing pillow spray, changing your sheets, or journalling before bed can make going to bed feel a bit more interesting without disrupting your sleep environment.
- Choose the Right Mattress: Some ADHD people also struggle with hypersensitivity, so getting the right bedding can help you want to go to bed. Check out our huge range of bedding, including weighted blankets, cooling pillows, and pillowcases to help make bedtime a soothing sensory experience.
Shelley said: “I think all these tips can be very helpful, especially the ones that ask you to externalize reminders but many of them also rely on motivation in the moment.“
“ADHDers often struggle with something called task paralysis and so they have all the intentions to do something differently but there is a gap between the intention and the action needed to do it. They may get caught up in dopamine-seeking activities such as scrolling, completing tasks, or snacking in the evening and their plans fall apart! Having something that interests the ADHDer, like a book they are enjoying reading in bed, or a supportive person to make the transition to bed with, can be very helpful.”
More information can be found on our blog: https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/snooze-news/post/does-adhd-affect-sleep
