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As an adult living with ADHD life can be frustrating at times. Not being able to focus, sleep, maintain relationships or jobs can take a toll on anyone. So I am starting a blog to help those with ADHD and maybe I can learn to help myself too.
I should note that I’m not a therapist. I can only offer advice based on what helps me and what I’ve learned from other therapists I’ve seen. Any tips and hints should be accompanied by therapy and/or medication.
What it’s like wanting to help people with ADHD and then realizing I actually have ADHD.
I struggle the most when it comes to sleeping early and waking up on time. Some things that work for me is taking 5mg of Lexapro and 5mg of GNC brand melatonin 2 hours before I need to go to bed (so about 10pm) with a half a shot of gin in some juice (substitute Tylenol PM or Nyquil) and I’m asleep in less than 30 minutes. Writing in my journal for 20 minutes and deep breathing for about 3 minutes also helps. I then take 5mg of Adderall in the morning to get me going.
Of course if this doesn’t work, I try a different tact that involves a bit of trickery. Try convincing yourself NOT to sleep. I find that when I try to stay up late for a deadline I am more tired than ever. So convince yourself to stare at the ceiling and NOT fall asleep. Or tell yourself that you’re going to get up and do something you’re putting off and I’ll bet you’ll be off to dreamland in no time. Actually get up and do the thing if you’re still unable to drift off.
Check out this article for more tips and to learn more about ADHD and sleep disturbances.
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-sleep-disturbances-symptoms/
Another thing you can do is get a cat. Seriously. Petting an already sleeping kitty will give you an automatic serotonin boost which can make you feel less stressed. You can also pet a dog, kiss a loved one, or watch a comedy routine, but that’s not nearly as cute.
Catching some Zs requires a big net. Good luck.
