Circadian motor activity affected by stimulant medication in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Approximately 3-5% of school-aged children are affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• Stimulant medications like methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD symptoms but may have negative side effects, including insomnia.
• In a study of 16 children with ADHD who had not previously received stimulant medication, significant increases in motor activity were observed during the sleep-onset latency period.
• Participants experienced a significant reduction in the relative strength of their circadian rhythms.
• A phase-delay in the timing of the daily rhythm was also noted among the children receiving stimulant medication.
• Clinicians and parents should consider the potential disruption to sleep and circadian rhythms when children are treated with stimulant medications for ADHD.

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