Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may experience brief episodes of sleep-like brain activity even while fully awake.
Findings of this new study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, potentially explain persistent attention difficulties.
Researchers from Monash University examined brain activity in 32 adults with ADHD who had paused their medication and compared the results with 31 neurotypical adults. The findings showed that individuals with ADHD displayed patterns of brain activity typically associated with sleep, despite being awake.
These episodes were linked to increased errors during tasks, slower reaction times, and feelings of daytime sleepiness.
The study suggests that such brain activity may contribute to the lapses in attention commonly seen in adults with ADHD.
Globally, ADHD affects about 2.2 percent of the population, based on 2017 estimates, with 774 cases reported per 1,00,000 people according to World Population Review. While India’s rate is lower than that of many Western countries, it remains higher than that of several neighbouring nations. The condition is marked by difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly affect daily functioning.
The researchers said the brain in individuals with ADHD may briefly shift into a sleep-like state as a form of recovery from constant mental strain. These frequent interruptions could disrupt focus and productivity.
The findings may have implications for improving diagnosis and treatment. Current treatment options include behavioural therapy and stimulant or non-stimulant medications, though access and social stigma remain barriers for many seeking help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that treatment often requires careful monitoring.
ADHD can affect academic performance, workplace productivity, and overall mental health. Studies cited in the European Congress of Psychiatry indicate that symptoms in adults may worsen over time without appropriate treatment.
Researchers say further studies are needed to better understand how the brain regulates wakefulness and rest, which could lead to more targeted and effective therapies.