Hi all! I was formally diagnosed with ADHD in my mid 20’s. Currently taking generic Vyvanse and Guanfacine. Getting on meds was a huge quality of life improvement. One thing that I still struggle with is chronic insomnia, which is a common commorbidity with – or maybe symptom of – ADHD. The insomnia started around the time I hit puberty and I can count on one hand the number of great nights sleeps I’ve had since then.
I’ve tried a lot of environmental changes like:
- Having a rigid bedtime schedule.
- Wearing blue light filter glasses for 3 hours before bed.
- Taking melatonin supplements.
- Minimizing screentime.
- Using a weighted blanket.
Those all seem to help somewhat but not to a huge degree. I still feel sleep deprived most of the time.
Apparently I also occasionally have jerking movements while asleep somewhat consistent with “Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS)”.
Has anyone else had a similar experience and found any effective treatments?
I got headband headphones, and I listen to shows that I’ve seen 1000 times. It’s just enough engagement that my brain doesn’t make noise but also doesn’t focus hard enough to stay awake.
It’s the only thing that’s helped keep the mental noise in check. Otherwise I sleep when I’m exhausted.