Hello

[ImaBitSickRn]

I'm new here and I have insomnia. Partly, just because and partly because of ADHD. Anyway, I have Uni tomorrow and this sleep problem kills me. Any info about this thing? Please?

[handofhelp]

Hi there I also have ADHD. This forum used to be a bit better than it is now and I know that it's monitored by even TV channels as I had someone approach me about my struggles as I've had insomnia for years. Essentially give people a chance to reply they don't reply straight away.

I think it's getting to the bottom of physiological issues not just mental health. In terms of my ADHD what I have noticed is the sleepcasts that are available on Headspace really help. If you're not sure you want the subscription - although if you are a student you get it for £8 a year and it's super worth it in terms of the sleepcasts - then you can try on YouTube there's someone that's uploaded the better ones so you can try but I recommend the subscription as it's much better. They change every night and they have a run in meditation.

Get your iron levels checked as well as we tend to have lower iron levels I think and that stops the oxygen to the brain and that deprives your sleep as it automatically goes into emergency mode.

It's hard to condense 15 years of learning about sleep into one short reply but hopefully this will help a bit. There really isn't a quick fix I don't think.

Have you talked to your doctor about a low dose of zopiclone? My sleep also immensely depends on good eating. So that's a good balanced diet meat veg and lots of fibre especially brown bread. It's not what people want to hear as when I was younger I didn't eat that either but I'll tell you what it's made the difference to me immensely.

I know everyone's against salt as well but try just a small amount in a meal once a day on top of whatever else is there that's healthy and that seems to have made my mental health a lot better too.

[Spurdog1]

In this modern day it's difficult to cope sometimes. I have found a combination of green tea, or hot chocolate at night an hour before bed. I also found a book is a good tonic. slow breathing exercises when your head is resting on the pillow. no fidgeting.

[Mac197]

Timing of ADHD med? Type of med? Have your pharmacist review with you to start. Follow good sleep habits (lots of tips for these). Important that you have the same wake time every day - even weekends and close to the same bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine - do a few things in the same order right before bed. Stay away from other stimulants in the afternoon. No device in bedroom, avoid screens for one hour before bed or wear blue light screening lenses or even sunglasses for the hour before bed if you need to be on a screen. Talk with your doc about melatonin 3mg taken an hour or 30 min before bed. Key is consistency in these behaviours and good habits. If that doesn't work think about a sleep coach to help sort it out.