ADHD Sleep Disorder - Becoming All Too Common

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has become one of the most common conditions affecting children today. And the numbers are increasing.

One of the most difficult things about ADHD, for those that have it, is that it can often cause lack of sleep, or a sleep disorder. As a matter of fact, ADHD is one of the top ten causes of sleep disorders in the United States.

In most cases, the stress of not being able to sleep triggers other disorders and mental problems, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, anger etc. People with ADHD have a hard enough time controlling their emotions and it becomes even more difficult with a lack of sleep.

Although scientists and researchers are still conducting further studies into the causes of ADHD and sleep disorders there are still no concrete scientific explanations as to what causes these behavioral disorders. I firmly believe that ADHD is caused by a poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to too much external stimulation, such as television or video games and has little to do with anything else.

I also believe that ADHD, as well as any sleep disorder is completely curable without medication. But to find a cure you need to address the causes of the condition. Drugs, like Ritalin only hide the problem or mask it. It is still there underneath the surface.

If you are still considering giving your child drugs ask yourself this question - are the drugs more for your child, or for YOU because you want to control your child?

Diet as a Cause Of ADHD?

In the past thirty years processed foods, loaded with chemicals and preservatives, have become the staple diet for our children. In the past thirty years the rates of ADHD have skyrocketed.

A child is laying the foundation for their life, growth of their physical body and mind. If you give them junk food during this period how are they possibly going to develop a clear, sharp mind?

Simply feed a child a candy bar and a banana at different times. Then ask them to read a book after eating each. See what happens.

Do you think their body needs the nutrients from the banana or high fructose corn syrup from soda or candy to grow? How detrimental do you think the soda or candy is to their development? To me, the correlation between diet and ADHD is a no-brainer.

It is best if you can start feeding your child organic fruit and vegetables as soon as possible. They are going to want to eat junk food like their friends and that is fine sometimes, just regulate it.

Also get them to exercise as this ensures proper physical development, and reduces any stress or anxiety your child might have. This will help them sleep better as well.

ADHD Sleep Disorder And T.V.

I believe the second major cause of ADHD is external stimulation in the form of television or video games. If a child sits, mesmerized, watching a television show that has fast moving characters where the screen changes every split second over and over and over again, what do you think it does to their brain?

Not only are they almost unconscious while they are watching T.V. their brain is being trained to change thoughts in split second intervals. Over time this causes the loss of ability to focus.

So limit the amount of time your child is allowed to watch T.V. or play video games. Make them get creative to entertain themselves instead.

Make The Changes Slowly

Just to warn you as you make these changes your child will resist. Getting your child off of television, video games, and junk food will be like trying to get an adult off of drugs. That is when you may realize how serious of a problem these things are for your child.

So reduce the television and junk food slowly so you don't make your child go through withdrawals and you don't have to deal with the tantrums. About three weeks after you integrate these changes you will see a major difference in your child's behavior and sleep patterns.

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