Sleep difficulties and ADHD: A TCM Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of health care developed over thousands of years, offers a holistic approach that emphasizes balancing the body's vital energy, or Qi, to promote optimal health. TCM can be a valuable resource for managing the diverse presentation of characteristics associated with ADHD and the co-occurring symptoms often experienced by individuals with this condition such as a difficulty sleeping.

Difficulty sleeping is a common issue for individuals with ADHD, and it often intensifies stress, further diminishing overall quality of life. From a TCM perspective, sleep disturbances can stem from a range of interconnected factors such as stress, lifestyle habits, and energetic imbalances within the body. Unlike the Western approach that may attribute sleep problems to specific causes like primary sleep disorders, medication side effects, or co-occurring anxiety, TCM takes a holistic view.

A TCM practitioner seeks not only to harmonize the body’s energy but also to identify and address specific imbalances in the organs and meridians that may contribute to sleep difficulties. Through careful assessment—using diagnostic tools like symptom review, tongue and pulse analysis, and pattern differentiation—a TCM diagnosis is established. This diagnosis reveals underlying organ or meridian imbalances that may be disrupting sleep. The specific difficulty with sleep, such as staying asleep, falling asleep, or waking too early as examples, would also be vital information for any TCM practitioner to establish the most accurate assessment of the underlying imbalances and find the root cause of the difficulty.

For instance, one possible cause of sleep disturbances in TCM is an imbalance of the Heart’s energy. The Heart, in TCM, must be calm for restful sleep to occur. Agitation of the Heart’s energy, which can be due to internal heat, is one such pattern that can lead to insomnia. In this scenario, the TCM practitioner would develop a care plan tailored to the individual’s needs, incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qigong, and dietary and lifestyle adjustments aimed at reducing internal heat and fostering a tranquil environment for the Heart, thereby promoting better sleep.

Similarly, the acupuncture point combinations and herbal recommendations would be tailored to supporting the function of the Heart, either by directly supporting its function from the TCM view, or indirectly by removing obstacles to its function that may be caused by other organ systems.

While there are specific Qigong movements that support the Heart, many Qigong movements can promote improved relaxation prior to bedtime to support sleep routines.  There is a great deal of information on good sleep hygiene (like limiting screen time before bed), and incorporating gentle Qigong movements can be a vital part of any nighttime routine.     

In our Five Element Framework, food is recommended based on its essence and resonance with various aspects of each organ system. Unsurprisingly, then, food would be chosen based on an individual’s specific presentation. Generally, eating foods that are easier to digest from a TCM perspective can support better sleep. For example foods that are cooked and not raw take less Qi or energy to digest. This leaves more of the body’s Qi available to support the organs and meridians that are out of balance and contributing to difficulty with sleep.

General lifestyle recommendations, including regulating the timing of screen usage, would also likely cover things like establishing optimal times for sleep and daytime stress reduction strategies.

TCM's broad range of tools and techniques provides comprehensive support for individuals with ADHD and their families. TCM practitioners can help support not only the primary symptoms of ADHD but also associated challenges like sleep difficulties. This comprehensive support can lead to improved well-being, better interpersonal relationships, and a higher quality of life for those with ADHD and their families. With its rich history and diverse modalities, TCM provides valuable tools for promoting health and balance in a holistic manner.