These children also were more likely to miss or be late for school, causing their parents or caregivers to also be late for work.

This study supports earlier ones, showing the high incidence of sleep difficulties in children with ADHD, but further explores how this affects the child's daytime functioning, relationships and also the effects on parents. The researchers suggest that clinicians implement sleep interventions for children diagnosed with ADHD as part of the treatment plan, in order to improve symptoms and quality of life and even perhaps reduce the need for medication in some children.

They stress that clinicians explore sleep problems in all children being treated for ADHD.

Journal reference: Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162[4]:336-342.