Sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An actigraphic study

The aim of the present study was to compare the sleep of 12 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with that of 12 normal controls. The children were examined in their natural environment, using continuous actigraphic monitoring over several consecutive nights, as well as undergoing subjective parental reports. It was hypothesized that children diagnosed with ADHD would suffer from reduced sleep quality than children without ADHD. This hypothesis was supported by the actigraphic measures, but not supported by the subjective parental reports. It was also found that the sleep quality of the two groups differed over the course of the night, which suggests a difference in sleep architecture. Various possible explanations for these findings, their implications regarding the relationship between sleep and ADHD, and the resulting treatment ramifications are discussed, and suggestions for further research are provided.