An Intervention to Promote Sleep and Reduce ADHD Symptoms

Objective To determine the effect of a sleep hygiene education module and prescriptive sleep routine for children ages 5 through 11 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods The 20-week pilot project used a pre–/posttest design to assess sleep and ADHD symptoms. The Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CHSQ) and Vanderbilt Assessment Scale–Parent Form survey were provided to assess sleep and ADHD behaviors of participants at baseline and 6 weeks after implementation of the sleep hygiene routine. Fifty-three children participated in the project. Of these, 23 scored 42 or greater on the CHSQ, indicating a sleep disorder, and received the intervention. Results The CHSQ and Vanderbilt scores indicated a significant improvement in sleep quality and reduction in ADHD symptoms after implementation of the sleep hygiene routine (CHSQ: p < .001, d = .928; Vanderbilt Questions 1–9: p < .001, d = .473; Vanderbilt Questions 10–18: p = .004; d = .329). Conclusion A provider-instructed sleep hygiene routine in children with ADHD improves sleep quality and reduces ADHD symptoms.