This study aimed to explore the effects of ADHD medications on sleep by comparing methylphenidate and atomoxetine. It sought to understand how these treatments influence sleep initiation and overall sleep quality in children with ADHD.

The findings revealed that methylphenidate significantly increased sleep-onset latency, highlighting the need for careful consideration when choosing ADHD treatments, especially for children who struggle with sleep disturbances.

For this study, 85 children with ADHD took part in a trial known as randomized, double-blind crossover. This means they randomly received either twice-a-day atomoxetine or three-times-a-day methylphenidate, without knowing which one first. Both medications were tested over two spans of about seven weeks each.

The trial took place in two settings in the United States: a private practice and a hospital setting. Using a crossover design allows researchers to compare the effects within the same group of children under different medication regimes.

The study found that methylphenidate increased the time it took kids to fall asleep more than atomoxetine did. Parents noticed that with atomoxetine, their children found it easier to wake up and fall asleep, slept better, and were less irritable in the mornings.

Both medications were equally effective for ADHD symptoms, but atomoxetine was better on some measures. Methylphenidate was linked to more cases of decreased appetite and insomnia than atomoxetine.

Atomoxetine led to kids falling asleep faster than those taking methylphenidate, based on sleep tracking and sleep studies. Even though both medications helped reduce nighttime awakenings, methylphenidate showed a slightly greater reduction.

This suggests that atomoxetine might be a better option for children with ADHD who struggle with sleep, while both medications are effective in managing ADHD symptoms.