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Sleep and ADHD

by Lynn
(Canada)

Is there any research out there about sleep difficulties and Attention Deficit? I have had sleep issues all my life, but now in my early 40s it is getting worse. A good night is 5 hours. I wake up continually all night, and even though I remember dreams, I feel as if I have not slept at all. I can start dreaming as soon as I fall asleep so I know I am REM sleep deprived. It is as if my brain never totally relaxes.


I have been told by two different GPs that I probably have ADD. It has been like this for a year, with some relief in the darker winter months (makes me wonder if it is related to light). Also last winter, I experimented for 2 months with brain wave entrainment and my sleep did get better, but again during the winter months. Any research about this as well?

Comments for Sleep and ADHD

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Aug 18, 2013
I have totally same issues.. NEW
by: Murat

Hello, if possible I would like to get in touch with Lynn. I have totally same issues as she has been facing.. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and that's why I am here, but would like to share experiences..
Currently I have been seeing a psychiatrist and on pills for 2 weeks now. But it is not going good so far. Last year and in 2005 I got under sleep analysis(polysomnography). In 2005 got a nose operation as suggested by doctors, but it was no cure as well.

Thanks in advance..

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Welcome! This site is continuously being created by students of Dr. William C. Dement's Sleep And Dreams course at Stanford University.

We made this site as a call to action for people all over the world to live healthier, happier, safer, and more productive lives by learning about their own sleep. We have faith that reading the information provided on this site will motivate you to be smart about your sleep deprivation and strategic about your alertness in order to live life to your fullest, most energetic potential.

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Sleep Paralysis: A Dreamer's Guide

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Ever woken up paralyzed? A surprising number of us have, believe it or not. But few know the actual causes of this phenomenon, and fewer still how to exert control over it. Dream researcher and sleep paralysis expert Ryan Hurd shares breakthrough insights into how to do just that.

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