Let’s talk about something ADHDers know too well: the epic struggle of getting a good night’s sleep. For me, this battle has been a lifelong companion, though I didn’t realise it was ADHD-related until later in life.
Before my diagnosis, I just thought I was a night owl or a chronic insomniac. Little did I know, my restless nights were part of a bigger ADHD package.
The ADHD Brain at Night: A Live Jazz Concert
Having ADHD is like having a brain that refuses to shut up. It’s like a jazz band playing a never-ending solo right in your skull. You’re lying there, staring at the ceiling, and your brain is like, “Hey, remember that embarrassing thing you did ages ago?” Or, “How about we plan next year’s holiday right now?” Or, “Let’s think about the concept of infinity!” Yeah, thanks brain. Super helpful.
Bedtime Routines? More Like Bedtime Circus
Experts say a bedtime routine helps. Haha, experts. My bedtime routine is a freaking circus. One minute I’m getting ready for bed, the next minute I’m deep into a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the history of the spork. And by the time I realize I’ve wasted two hours, I’m more awake than ever. How does that even happen? ADHD magic, that’s how.
The Nightly To-Do List of Doom
And don’t get me started on the nightly to-do list. My brain loves to remind me of every single thing I didn’t do today, didn’t do last week, and need to do tomorrow. It’s like the world’s shittiest motivational speaker, yelling at me about deadlines and chores when all I want to do is sleep.
The Battle of the Body Clock
Oh, and let’s talk about our body clock. Because apparently, mine thinks it’s hilarious to keep me alert and wired at 2 AM. Circadian rhythms? What are those? If I do manage to fall asleep at a decent hour, you can bet I’ll wake up at 3 AM wide awake, contemplating life’s mysteries or scrolling through memes until the sun comes up.
Self-Medicating with Caffeine and Other Bad Ideas
Now, let’s discuss our not-so-secret weapon: caffeine. Ah yes, the glorious nectar that promises alertness and productivity but delivers insomnia and jitters. One cup to kickstart the morning turns into a full-blown addiction by evening. Coffee, tea, energy drinks—you name it, we’ve downed it. And while it’s great for getting through the day, it’s an absolute nightmare for falling asleep. Cue the vicious cycle of trying to stay awake during the day and trying to fall asleep at night.
The ADHD Sleep Solutions That Aren’t
Let’s talk about all those sleep solutions that work for everyone else but us. White noise machines? Just more noise for my brain to latch onto. Essential oils? They smell nice, but unless lavender oil can physically knock me out, it’s not happening. Melatonin? Either does nothing or makes me feel groggy as hell the next day. Thanks, but no thanks.
Embracing the Midnight Madness
So, what’s the solution? Hell if I know. I’m still figuring it out, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s about finding those small wins, like avoiding caffeine after 3 PM (or trying to, anyway) and making my bedroom a little more sleep-friendly. Other times, it’s about embracing the midnight madness and knowing that, yeah, tonight might suck, but there’s always tomorrow night to try again.
Some days, navigating the ups and downs of sleep patterns affected by ADHD feels like an impossible task.
Feeling utterly exhausted after restless nights to relying on caffeine, energy drinks, and the occasional nap just to function, it’s a constant struggle.
Many of us ADHDers face similar challenges. It’s about finding what works for you, whether it’s creating a soothing bedtime routine (even if it’s a chaotic one), or finding solace in familiar audiobook, new ones keep me awake, but listening to an old favourite for the 1000rh time distracts my brain without too much stimulation and helps me sleep. Or maybe simply accepting that sleep might always be a bit of a battleground.
We are the sleep-deprived, the ADHD-addled, the night-time warriors. May we eventually find our way to a decent night's sleep—or at least a really good nap.
Sweet dreams (or something like that).