The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological PsychiatrySep 21, 2018

ADHD and Daily Rhythms: Sleep Problems, Body Clock Genes, and Timing Treatments

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in circadian genes are associated with core ADHD symptoms, increased evening-orientation, and frequent sleep problems.

Circadian clock characteristics may be linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Alterations in how individuals with ADHD respond to light could contribute to circadian rhythm issues.
Bright light therapy may help realign circadian physiology, promoting morningness and reducing sleep disturbances.
Improvements in overall ADHD symptoms were noted with bright light therapy.
Further research is needed to explore genetic markers and develop bright light-based treatments for ADHD.

Simplified

The current paper addresses the evidence for circadian clock characteristics associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and possible therapeutic approaches based on chronomodulation through bright light (BL) therapy.We review the data reported in ADHD on genetic risk factors for phase-delayed circadian rhythms and on the role of photic input in circadian re-alignment.Single nucleotide polymorphisms in circadian genes were recently associated with core ADHD symptoms, increased evening-orientation and frequent sleep problems. Additionally, alterations in exposure and response to photic input may underlie circadian problems in ADHD. BL therapy was shown to be effective for re-alignment of circadian physiology toward morningness, reducing sleep disturbances and bringing overall improvement in ADHD symptoms. The susceptibility of the circadian system to phase shift by timed BL exposure may have broad cost-effective potential implications for the treatment of ADHD.We conclude that further research of circadian function in ADHD should focus on detection of genetic markers (e.g., using human skin fibroblasts) and development of BL-based therapeutic interventions. Objectives: Methods: Results: Conclusions:

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ADHD and Daily Rhythms: Sleep Problems, Body Clock Genes, and Timing Treatments

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