Erratic bedtimes could create ADHD-like symptoms
20/09/2011
Youngsters who have sporadic sleep patterns in their children's beds could be showing symptoms similar to those of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sufferers.
Research in the American Journal of Family Therapy shows that more than five million children are being treated with ADHD medication, despite not necessarily suffering from the condition.
Findings show that youngsters who did not sleep in their own beds demonstrated ADHD-like behaviour seven times more often than those who always rested in their own bed.
Furthermore, kids without a regular bedtime had ADHD symptoms eight times more often than those who went to bed and woke up at a similar time every day.
Lead researcher of the study Dr Robert M Pressman said: "Bedtime habits must be reviewed at intake and bedtime problems explored before ADHD medication is considered."
He urged paediatricians, therapists and parents to review other possibilities before jumping to conclusions.
Posted by Michael Ewing
