Some people may have the misconception that ADHDers are like the Energizer Bunny. But the truth is that we CAN'T just keep going, and going, and going...
In fact many ADHDers feel like we tire out much more quickly than neurotypicals.
It can be frustrating when we seem to naturally excel and have endless energy for certain tasks (Usually the ones we find interesting) while other tasks can be painstaking, draining, and feel impossible (Usually the important things that we don't like).
We already deal with the daydreamy struggle of staying focused on the regular it can be even more difficult when we don’t feel well rested.
ADHD brains are constantly on the go. We can experience both mental and physical hyperactivity. It requires a lot of energy to keep up with all day!
We often feel like we have to always be in motion to avoid the anxious feelings of being “unproductive”.
The main symptom of ADHD is executive dysfunction, which can negatively affect us in...
Starting & switching tasks
Impulse control
Maintaining focus & ignoring distractions
Planning out steps
Memory
Managing the negative emotions around an undesirable task
In other words, it takes a lot of extra conscious energy to execute these functions. Meanwhile, neurotypicals can typically run these tasks on autopilot.
It can take more effort for us to complete the same task. (Have you heard of "spoon theory"?) As one of our Instagram followers put it, “(Neurotypical) kids learn when they read 3 times, I learn when I read 10 times.”
Sensory overload is also very energy draining and we may not even realize that it's happening. Sitting in front of a bright monitor all day can affect you more than you may think!
Caffeine can be a wild card when it comes to energy and ADHD! Many individuals discover that it has a calming effect and makes them sleepy.
Before bed and as soon as we wake up, our minds are often ruminating on the events of the day, tomorrow, yesterday, and beyond. On top of this, our creative minds can create extensive (and sometimes upsetting) dreams that can leave us feeling drained when we wake up.
With ADHD, it’s very common to have comorbid sleep disturbances like…
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Insomnia
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)
Circadian rhythm disturbances
If you'd like to feel more rested each day with ADHD, consider the following...
MORNING TIPS
Morning cold plunge (Cold shower is best)
Music instead of alarm sound
Sunrise light simulation (Or natural with curtains open!)
TIPS FOR BETTER SLEEP
Lower temperature: Colder AC, cooling sheets, fan, light PJs
Read or listen to a sleep podcast if your mind is chatty
Blackout curtains & blackout stickers for lights on electronics
ONLY use bed for sleeping (Bedroom if possible)
Body Cues: Warm bath, bedtime yoga/stretch, tea, music/white noise, dim lights
Avoid brain & body intensive activities 1hr before bed
Develop a bedtime ritual with calming activities you look forward to
GET TESTED: There are SO many comorbidities with ADHD that can affect our sleep, nutrient intake, emotional state, and more. Professionals can recommend treatments or even a simple supplement to give your body the extra support it’s needing.
Discover more ways to manage adult life with ADHD using my # 1 Best Selling book/workbook: "Activate Your ADHD Potential"
Take Care of Yourself,
Coach Brooke
