New research from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience suggests a strong connection between insomnia and reduced quality of life in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Published in BMJ Mental Health, the study revealed that at least one in four adults with ADHD report a sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most prevalent.
The findings come from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online survey involving over 10,000 adults. Participants completed a range of assessments covering demographics, ADHD symptoms, mental health, life satisfaction, insomnia severity, sleep quality, and preferred sleep patterns. Results showed that ADHD traits were linked to poorer life satisfaction, more severe insomnia, increased depression, lower sleep quality, and a tendency to go to bed and wake up later.
Analysis indicated that insomnia may be the key factor connecting ADHD symptoms with reduced life satisfaction. Senior author Dr Sarah L. Chellappa explained that sleep problems can affect attention, emotional control, and behaviour — while ADHD-related hyperactivity and impulsivity can, in turn, disrupt sleep, creating a cycle that worsens both issues.
Co-author Professor Samuele Cortese emphasised the need for further research to understand this complex relationship. He suggested that treatments targeting insomnia, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or Sleep Restriction Therapy, may improve both mood and overall quality of life for adults with ADHD.
