ADHD in daily life
ADHD and sleep
Difficulty falling asleep, going to bed late and waking up tired: sleep problems are common in ADHD. If you take medication, it can also make falling asleep harder.
What you may notice
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- A mind that won't stop in the evening.
- Feeling tired or sleepy during the day.
- Difficulty falling asleep as a side effect of medication.
Your body clock
In many people with ADHD, the sleep hormone melatonin starts later. As a result, you only get tired late. Melatonin or light therapy only work at the right time. So only use them in consultation with your practitioner.
For a better night
Tick off what you already do
0 of 7 ticked
Source: Thuisarts, sleep advice; apotheek.nl, methylphenidate. Your ticks are not saved.
Sleeping worse since you started medication?
Do not just stop, but discuss it with your practitioner. Together you can look at what is possible.
More about medicationWho can help
- Your practitioner.
- Your GP.
- The pharmacy, for questions about medication.
Questions about sleep
- Melatonin only works well at the right time and in the right dose. So only use it in consultation with your practitioner or GP.
- No. Do not use alcohol to fall asleep.
Sources
- Thuisarts – Sleep advice (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Apotheek.nl – Methylphenidate (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
Checked in October 2026.
ADHD in daily life
Read more
- ADHD and work or studyWhat you may notice of ADHD at work and during your studies, what helps, whether you should tell your employer and who can help you.
- ADHD and relationshipsHow ADHD plays a part in your relationship and with loved ones: forgetfulness, emotions, impulsive reactions. What helps and where you can go together.
- ADHD and nutritionWhat is and is not proven about ADHD and nutrition: sugar, diets, and eating and drinking when you take ADHD medication.
Curious about the treatment?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your treatment starts straight away, without a new waiting time.