Summary: A new study from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine and international collaborators has identified a link between melatonin secretion and the severity of ADHD symptoms in children. The research suggests that genetic traits reducing nighttime melatonin production contribute to more severe ADHD symptoms, potentially exacerbating sleep difficulties. The findings highlight the importance of sleep hygiene and suggest melatonin supplementation could be an effective intervention, though further research is needed.
Key Takeaways:
- Melatonin and ADHD Severity: Children with genetic traits that lower melatonin production at night showed more severe ADHD symptoms, suggesting a connection between sleep regulation and ADHD.
- Importance of Sleep Hygiene: The study emphasizes that good sleep habits, including consistent routines and reduced screen time before bed, are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms in children.
- Potential Role of Melatonin Supplementation: The research points to melatonin supplementation as a possible aid for children with ADHD, though more studies are needed to confirm its long-term benefits.
A new study has unveiled a link between melatonin secretion and the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children.
The findings, conducted by researchers from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, in collaboration with several international institutions, published in Psychiatry Research Communications, suggest that genetic variations affecting melatonin production may play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of ADHD symptoms.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 5% of children worldwide. It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While it has long been known that children with ADHD often experience sleep disorders, the precise relationship between sleep and ADHD symptoms has remained unclear—until now.
Genetic Traits Affecting Melatonin Linked to Symptoms
The study revealed that children with genetic traits that reduce melatonin secretion at night exhibited more severe ADHD symptoms at age 8 to 9 years using data from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children, which tracks the development of children from birth.
“Our findings indicate that disruptions in melatonin secretion may contribute to the difficulties children with ADHD face in maintaining regular sleep patterns,” says associate professor Nagahide Takahashi, MD, PhD, the lead author and a clinical expert in ADHD, in a release. “This could potentially worsen their ADHD symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.”
Importance of Sleep Hygiene and Future Interventions
The research underscores the importance of good sleep hygiene for children diagnosed with ADHD, such as establishing consistent sleep routines, reducing screen time before bed, and increasing exposure to natural light during the day. Moreover, the study suggests that melatonin supplementation could be a beneficial intervention for managing ADHD symptoms, although further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy.
Researchers say the study marks a step forward in understanding the complex interplay between sleep and neurodevelopmental disorders. As researchers continue to explore these connections, parents and healthcare providers may find new strategies for helping children with ADHD manage their symptoms more effectively.
ID 328017959 | Bedroom © Volodymyr Tverdokhlib | Dreamstime.com
Leave a Reply