ADHD Fatigue: Why Adhders Feel Tired All the Time?

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 60% of children who have ADHD progress into adulthood untreated. Although both adults and children have the same symptoms, some symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, may persist among ADHD patients.

If you have ADHD and are feeling fatigued, you are not the only one. Fatigue is one of the most common and least talked about symptoms. So, what causes fatigue? It may be as a result of anxiety, medication, sleep issues, or stress. Therefore, you need strategies to keep it in check. 

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Read on for more information about ADHD fatigue and how to cope with the situation. We also help you understand simple ways to prevent chronic fatigue.

What Is ADHD Fatigue Syndrome?

It is a chronic condition characterized by persistent fatigue, low energy levels, and cognitive difficulty. Additionally, difficulty in concentration and forgetfulness may also accompany ADHD fatigue.

ADHD and Fatigue (Constant Fatigue Syndrome)

There is a thin line between ADHD and fatigue [1*] . New studies suggest that people who suffer from chronic fatigue may have ADHD as well. Both conditions have similar symptoms, including forgetfulness and inattention.

ADHD Fatigue Medication

Doctors may recommend stimulant and non-stimulant drugs to treat fatigue in ADHD. These drugs primarily treat cognitive symptoms such as inability to concentrate and difficulty recalling vital information. If your symptoms persist after medication, consult your doctor for further medical advice.

Table Showing Some Common ADHD Medications

Drug Name	Brand Name	Duration
Dextroamphetamine	Zenzedi	3-4 hours
Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine	Adderall	4-6 hours
Dexmethylphenidate	Focalin	4-6 hours
Methylphenidate	Methylin, Ritalin	3-4 hours

What Causes Someone Who Has ADHD To Feel Tired?

Below are some of the reasons why you may feel tired if you have ADHD:

Improper Dosage

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, your doctor may prescribe stimulant medications such as Adderall [2*] for your treatment. Be sure to take your dose as prescribed by the physician. Taking an overdose or taking your medication closer to bedtime may hinder you from having enough sleep. Thus, you may wake up feeling tired the following day. 

Anxiety

About 50% of adults who have ADHD experience anxiety disorders. In addition, other psychiatric disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder may set in. 

A combination of anxiety and psychiatric disorders may be a hindrance to your well-being. For instance, if you are anxious, you may have trouble falling asleep. Anxiety may also trigger excessive cortisol, a common stress hormone that makes you feel tired.

Insomnia

According to research by the US National Library of Medicine [3*] , sleep disorders are common among patients with ADHD. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Sleep disorders result in functional impairments that affect behavior and quality of life, including sleep patterns. Insomnia also causes fatigue and low productivity.

For instance, if you can’t shut down your hyperactive brain, you will have trouble sleeping. In turn, you’ll feel sleepy and tired during the day.

Stress

Constant worrying about having ADHD may lead to stress. In turn, you will use so much energy to regain your focus or exercise functional skills like remembering important dates. All these coupled together drain your energy and make you feel tired all the time.

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Simple Ways To Send More Energy to Your Brain

It is not uncommon to experience low energy levels and general fatigue when you have ADHD. Thus, you require an energy booster to help the brain achieve normal function.

Here are the top three energy boosters for ADHD:

Plenty Water

Your body requires enough water to stay hydrated and boost the performance of body organs. Therefore, to prevent fatigue and feel rejuvenated, drink plenty of water every day.

Balanced Diet

Your diet plays a critical role in all aspects of your health, including managing ADHD. Without a balanced diet, your body lacks the drive to fight ADHD fatigue and related symptoms. Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables regularly. 

Frequent Exercise

How much physical activity do you get each day? Frequent exercises help your body burn out extra calories. In addition, exercise activates brain neurotransmitters that help you focus, sleep better, and prevent fatigue.

How To Cope With ADHD Fatigue

ADHD fatigue is a manageable condition. The best remedy is to treat the ADHD symptoms [4*] that trigger fatigue. You can use medication and lifestyle habits to find relief.

Below are common ways to manage ADHD Fatigue:

Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine

You can have quality sleep by adopting a variety of regular bedtime habits. Essentially, you should aim at going to bed and waking up around the same time every day. When you have a regular sleeping rhythm, it synchronizes your biological clock with other normal functions. 

You can achieve a regular sleep routine by doing the following:

• Setting a regular time for going to bed and waking up
• Having a bedtime ritual like reading a novel before sleeping
• Turning off all distractive devices such as cell phones before going to bed

Counseling Therapy

Counseling is an essential therapy that helps manage ADHD fatigue. Through cognitive behavior therapy, a counselor helps you understand fatigue, its causes, and its remedy. You’ll also learn possible actions for every situation.

ADHD Medications

Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are effective in managing ADHD fatigue. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD that make you feel fatigued. Thus, you will have enough sleep and feel less tired. However, you shouldn’t take ADHD medication without the doctor’s advice.

Daily Meditation

Mindful meditation is a technique used to help ADHD patients overcome fatigue. Meditation decreases anxiety and constant thoughts that make you feel fatigued. Based on research studies, mindful meditation against fatigue has a remarkable and long-lasting effect on ADHD patients [5*] .

How To Prevent ADHD Fatigue

Although fatigue is a common symptom of attention deficit disorder [6*] , you can prevent it. Be sure to talk to a medical professional about the most effective habits you may use. 

Below are some tips to get you started:

1. Cut down on your caffeine intake. Drinking too much coffee each day increases your chances of severe fatigue.
2. Exercise regularly. It helps you stabilize your brain’s neurotransmitters and keeps you rejuvenated.
3. Develop a regular sleeping pattern. Having regular, adequate sleep is key to reducing stress and fatigue.

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Where Can You Find Treatment

ADHD manifests in different ways, and fatigue is just one of them. You may find relief using medication, lifestyle habits, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

EZCare is your reliable healthcare provider for the treatment of ADHD fatigue in San Francisco, California. 

Contact us today to book your appointment for specialized care.