By Patrick Ney, student of the Master in Applied Neuroscience

Abstract

This thesis reviews the relationship between sleep and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents, with a focus on cognitive and behavioural outcomes and the role of nonpharmacological interventions. Nine peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. These studies examined how sleep duration, quality, timing, and circadian preference relate to ADHD symptomatology and cognitive outcomes. Most used objective methods such as actigraphy or subjective self- and parent-reported measures. The findings suggest that poor sleep is consistently associated with impaired executive functioning and attentional regulation. Sleep variability and evening circadian preference were linked to increased emotional difficulties and reduced academic performance.
Some studies proposed that sleep disruption may be more than a comorbid factor, possibly interacting with or contributing to core ADHD symptoms. A small number of studies examined nonpharmacological interventions, particularly behavioural approaches and psychoeducation, which showed modest improvements in sleep patterns and, to a lesser extent, ADHD-related difficulties. However, the evidence base is limited by methodological inconsistencies, short follow-up periods, and variation in ADHD diagnosis and subtyping.
Overall, the review supports the idea that sleep should be considered a significant factor in adolescent ADHD. Future research should address the lack of long-term, controlled studies and consider more detailed stratification by ADHD subtype and sleep phenotype.

Keywords: ADHD, sleep, executive functioning, adolescents, behavioural interventions, emotional, sleep quality, working memory, systematic review

Download the full Research Work: Ney, P. (2025). Sleep and ADHD in Adolescents. SAERA