How to Help Your Child with ADHD Sleep

How to Help Your Child with ADHD Sleep

07/09/2023

At 5 Little Monkeys, our mission is to help parents everywhere discover the magic that restful, high-quality sleep can have on their children's lives. We've created a parent-approved children's mattress to help achieve that, but in addition to our sleep system for kids, we strive to be a comprehensive resource for parents on every aspect of sleep hygiene. For parents of differently-abled kids, sleep can be one of the most difficult subjects, especially for parents of kids with ADHD – so we want to provide a few simple tips you can use to help your child with ADHD get healthy sleep.

Sleep Tips for Kids with ADHD

The relationship between ADHD and poor sleep is well-established. Some studies even suggest that poor sleep can be a trigger for ADHD and its symptoms, and many ADHD medicines are stimulants that can interfere with sleep. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and is having trouble with sleep, here are a few simple steps you can take to help:

  • Daily Exercise: Children should get at least an hour of exercise and activity each day, and a lack of proper exercise can contribute to sleep problems. Make sure your child gets regular exercise and outside time every day to ensure they're ready to sleep. 
  • Proper Diet: The foods kids eat can also have a big impact on sleep. Regular, healthy meals that are high in fiber and rich in protein and vegetables are vital to good sleep hygiene. In particular, avoid processed foods that contain added sugar, which can contribute to hyperactivity.
  • Limit Screens: Exposure to the high-frequency blue light emitted by devices with screens can disrupt sleep patterns, so limit screen time and turn off all screens at least two hours before bedtime.
  • Rely on Routine: Children need stable routines, and that's especially true for sleep. Keep your child on a stable routine with the same bedtime and wake up time each day, including weekends. This will help your child's body know to get tired when it's time for bed.

Try Our Children's Sleep System

These tips can help support healthy, restful sleep in kids with ADHD, but as always, you should talk with your doctor if sleep continues to be a problem for your child. Another crucial factor for your child's sleep is their mattress, as without a high-quality children's mattress, your child's body doesn't get the support it needs for healthy sleep. See for yourself the difference that great sleep can make in your child's life: try our kids sleep system 100% risk-free today. We can't wait to help your child achieve healthy, restful sleep!