A recent study by the CDC found that Georgia has had a 41 percent increase in ADHD reports over the past two decades.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD reports in the United States have surged by 37.3% from 2003 to the latest ADHD statistics in 2019. This increase highlights a growing trend in ADHD diagnoses across the nation, underscoring the need for further attention to the issue.
MattressNextDay collaborated with Shelley Farnham, Founder of Complex Connexions CIC, a support organization for ADHD/Autism families, to explore the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and sleep challenges. Farnham revealed valuable insights into the difficulties faced by individuals with ADHD, particularly regarding their sleep routines. With approximately 8.7 million Americans diagnosed with ADHD, recognizing how ADHD can interfere with sleep is crucial. Research shows that 25-50% of individuals with ADHD experience issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and more, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life.
Georgia increases 41% in ADHD diagnoses, showing a noticeable rise in reports of ADHD cases among children in the state. This is part of a larger pattern seen across the country. In Georgia, the percentage of children aged 3-7 diagnosed with ADHD has increased from 9% in 2003 to 12.7% in the 2016-2019 period. This is a 41% increase, reflecting broader shifts in ADHD awareness and diagnoses in the U.S.
When examining ADHD diagnoses over the past two decades, the research highlights several states with significant increases in reported cases. Utah, for instance, has seen an astonishing 96% rise in ADHD diagnoses from 2003 to 2019, with 10% of parents now reporting that their child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Colorado follows closely with a 93% increase in ADHD cases over the same period. Other states like Mississippi and Connecticut have also seen noteworthy increases of 76% and 71%, respectively. These trends show that ADHD is becoming a growing concern for families, educators, and healthcare providers alike.
On the other hand, some states have reported a decline in ADHD diagnoses. Nevada, for example, saw a 9% decrease in ADHD reports during the same timeframe, which stands in contrast to the national upward trend.
The CDC survey that provided these findings asked parents about their children’s health, tracking the number of children diagnosed with ADHD. The data indicates significant variation in ADHD rates across the country, as illustrated by the following figures:
- Utah: 10% (96% increase)
- Colorado: 8.9% (93% increase)
- Mississippi: 15.8% (76% increase)
- Connecticut: 11.6% (71% increase)
- Louisiana: 16.3% (68% increase)
- Georgia: 12.7% (41% increase)
These figures underscore the varying rates of ADHD diagnoses across the nation and raise important questions about the contributing factors. Experts are looking into why certain states, like Utah and Colorado, have experienced such significant increases in ADHD diagnoses, while other states show more modest growth or even a decrease in reported cases.
In response to these challenges, experts have offered valuable insights into how to manage ADHD-related sleep disturbances. Shelley Farnham spoke with MattressNextDay to discuss strategies for individuals with ADHD who struggle with sleep. “ADHDers may struggle to switch off in the evening and make that transition to go to bed and then to sleep. If they’ve struggled to complete tasks during the day, due to procrastination or finding it difficult to initiate tasks, and they are then able to start those tasks late in the day, it can be difficult to stop as they’re unsure when they’ll be able to get back to being productive. They may make that transition to get to bed, but then find it difficult to calm their racing thoughts enough to fall asleep,” Farnham explained.
When asked about the importance of addressing sleep issues in individuals with ADHD, Farnham stressed the severe consequences of inadequate sleep. “I think it’s extremely important as the physical and mental effects of lack of sleep are well documented. Lack of sleep affects our executive function skills, such as organization and emotion regulation, and these can be areas where ADHDers already struggle, so the impact is increased. The cycle of perceived ‘failure’ to do what they intend to do is also very damaging to their self-esteem and self-belief, which then further impacts their ability to make positive changes.”
Farnham further emphasized the role of sleep in cognitive function. “A healthy sleep routine and sufficient sleep allows the brain to live less in a survival state, meaning that it can access the higher cognitive abilities such as executive function skills, like focus, timekeeping, and planning. Attention and impulsivity can already be difficult skills for ADHDers and the impact of too little sleep on these can be very detrimental.”
In response to these insights, Martin Seeley, a sleep expert and CEO at MattressNextDay, provided practical tips for improving sleep in individuals with ADHD:
- Establish a Nighttime Routine: Use phone reminders or apps like Bedtime or Sleep Cycle to signal when to start winding down.
- Avoid Stimulating Tasks Before Bed: Keep a notepad next to the bed to jot down tasks, so they can be picked up later when it’s not bedtime.
- Limit Screen Time: Begin stepping away from screens at least an hour before bed. Consider putting your phone across the room to avoid disruptions.
- Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment: Introduce new elements to your sleep space, such as a calming pillow spray or fresh sheets, to help make the environment more inviting.
- Choose the Right Mattress: Consider bedding like weighted blankets or cooling pillows, especially if hypersensitivity is an issue.
Farnham added, “I think all these tips can be very helpful, especially the ones that ask you to externalize reminders, but many of them also rely on motivation in the moment. ADHDers often struggle with something called task paralysis and so they have all the intentions to do something differently, but there is a gap between the intention and the action needed to do it. They may get caught up in dopamine-seeking activities such as scrolling, completing tasks, or snacking in the evening and their plans fall apart! Having something that interests the ADHDer, like a book they are enjoying reading in bed, or a supportive person to make the transition to bed with, can be very helpful.”
This expanded understanding of the relationship between ADHD and sleep is crucial for individuals and families dealing with ADHD. Recognizing the impact that ADHD can have on sleep patterns is an essential step in finding solutions to improve quality of life for affected individuals. As research continues to shed light on these challenges, it’s clear that a holistic approach, including support, environment adjustments, and sleep hygiene practices, can make a significant difference.
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