In the research conducted by Daniel Cavanaugh and colleagues, the study A circadian output center controlling feeding: fasting rhythms in Drosophila reports that fruit flies, like humans, have set neuronal pathways that control internal clocks which activate and synchronize certain behaviors based on whether it is day or night. We commonly know this as circadian rhythms, which act on basic homeostatic behaviors ranging from hunger, attention, but most importantly sleep. These behaviors in response to this cycle have a wide degree of fluctuation in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. In many cases, with regards to neuropsychiatric illness, this is not fully understood and oftentimes, disruptive sleep patterns and circadian rhythms can add to comorbidity. In children and adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most prevalent symptoms that manifest is exhibited difficulties with sleep.
The relationship between circadian rhythm dysregulation in patients with ADHD is explored in more detail in an article posted by ScienceDaily. According to the article, 75% of both children and adults suffer from issues of not getting enough sleep, which entails both problems falling and staying asleep. Interestingly enough, the article also reports that those with ADHD tend to exhibit more activity and higher levels of alertness into the evening that persists throughout the night. Concerning Cavanaugh’s research, Professor Sandra Kooij claims that because the overall day and night cycle is disturbed, the following behaviors associated with circadian rhythms are offset, such as the timing of meals. Kooij also suggests lack of a circadian sleep pattern is now theorized to be the etiology of ADHD. The intriguing question remains; does ADHD cause sleeplessness, or does sleeplessness cause ADHD? If the latter is true, then the possibility exists that nonpharmacologic methods involving the circadian pathways can influence further treatments. Developing more on this understanding using elements from Cavanaugh’s research might provide more insight into specific mechanisms involved in ADHD, circadian rhythms, and sleep efficiency.
References
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. (2017, September 4). Is ADHD really a sleep problem?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 28, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170904093443.htm
Dreyer, A. P., Martin, M. M., Fulgham, C. V., Jabr, D. A., Bai, L., Beshel, J., & Cavanaugh, D. J. (2019). A circadian output center controlling feeding:fasting rhythms in Drosophila. PLoS genetics, 15(11), e1008478. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1008478
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