Insomnia Might Be the Missing Link Between ADHD Traits and Lower Life Satisfaction, Study Finds
A new study led by researchers from the University of Southampton and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience suggests that insomnia could explain why adults who show traits of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often report having a lower quality of life. The research, published in BMJ Mental Health (2025), highlights that sleep problems—especially insomnia—may be a key factor tying ADHD traits to reduced life satisfaction.
Understanding the Research
The study, titled “Associations of ADHD symptom severity, sleep/circadian factors, depression, and quality of life,” was based on data from the Netherlands Sleep Registry, an online database with over 10,000 adult participants. From this large pool, the researchers focused on 1,364 individuals who had completed questionnaires on ADHD traits, sleep quality, circadian rhythm preferences, depression symptoms, and overall life satisfaction.
The average age of participants was about 52 years, and roughly three-quarters were women. The researchers used several well-known scientific tools to gather data:
- Adult ADHD Rating Scale to measure ADHD traits.
- Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to assess the extent of insomnia symptoms.
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate general sleep quality.
- Munich Chronotype Questionnaire to study sleep timing preferences (whether a person is an early bird or night owl).
- Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess depression levels.
- Satisfaction With Life Scale (SLS) and Cantril Ladder (CL) to measure life satisfaction.
What the Researchers Found
After analyzing the data, the team found a clear pattern. People with higher ADHD trait scores tended to report:
- More severe insomnia symptoms,
- Poorer sleep quality,
- A stronger preference for going to bed and waking up late (a later chronotype),
- Higher levels of depression, and
- Lower satisfaction with life overall.
The researchers wanted to know why ADHD traits seemed to be linked with lower life satisfaction. To find out, they used a statistical method called mediation analysis, which helps uncover whether one factor explains the link between two others.
The results were quite specific. Among all the sleep and mood factors analyzed, only insomnia severity played a significant mediating role between ADHD traits and quality of life. In simpler terms, insomnia partly explained why people with higher ADHD traits felt less satisfied with their lives.
Interestingly, none of the sleep or circadian measures explained the link between ADHD traits and depression. This means that while insomnia plays a role in life satisfaction, it may not be the reason people with ADHD traits tend to feel more depressed.
Statistically, the mediation effect of insomnia was small but meaningful. Using standardized coefficients, the effect was –0.10 for the Satisfaction With Life Scale and 0.103 for the Cantril Ladder—numbers that indicate a measurable but partial influence.
Why This Matters
The study suggests a reinforcing cycle between ADHD traits and insomnia. People with ADHD traits—especially those involving impulsivity, restlessness, and hyperactivity—may struggle with regular sleep patterns. Poor sleep, in turn, can worsen attention, mood regulation, and emotional stability, which can further reduce overall life satisfaction.
The researchers emphasized that insomnia is a treatable condition, which makes these findings even more significant. Addressing insomnia in adults with ADHD traits—through approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or Sleep Restriction Therapy—might lead to improvements in both sleep and life satisfaction.
Because most clinical guidelines for ADHD don’t emphasize sleep problems as a major part of treatment, the authors suggest that sleep issues should be taken more seriously when assessing and managing ADHD-related difficulties.
Limitations of the Study
Like most research, this study has its limitations. It was cross-sectional, meaning all the data were collected at a single point in time. That makes it difficult to determine cause and effect—for instance, whether insomnia leads to lower life satisfaction, or if poor life satisfaction itself worsens sleep.
The researchers also pointed out that because participants were self-selected volunteers who completed online surveys, the sample might not perfectly represent the general population. However, despite these caveats, the findings open new paths for future research. Long-term and experimental studies could test whether improving sleep actually boosts quality of life in people with ADHD traits.
ADHD and Sleep: The Bigger Picture
Sleep problems are extremely common in people with ADHD. It’s estimated that about one in four adults with ADHD suffers from a sleep disorder, and insomnia is the most frequent one.
ADHD itself involves challenges with attention, focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation—all of which can be worsened by poor sleep. Lack of quality rest affects the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for decision-making, planning, and impulse management. When this system is already under strain due to ADHD, insomnia can push it further off balance.
Researchers have long debated whether sleep problems in ADHD are a result of the condition or a separate but overlapping issue. This new study supports the idea that sleep plays a central, not secondary, role in shaping quality of life among those with ADHD traits.
Treating Insomnia in People with ADHD Traits
The hopeful side of this research lies in its practical implications. Insomnia is one of the few aspects of mental health that can often be successfully treated without medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has shown lasting benefits for people struggling with chronic sleep issues.
CBT-I helps people build better sleep habits by addressing unhelpful thought patterns, bedtime routines, and sleep-related anxiety. Another effective option, Sleep Restriction Therapy, involves limiting the time spent in bed to consolidate sleep and strengthen the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
If future studies confirm that treating insomnia improves life satisfaction in people with ADHD traits, sleep-focused interventions could become a valuable addition to ADHD care—alongside behavioral therapy, lifestyle management, and medication when needed.
Final Thoughts
This study underscores the complex interplay between ADHD, sleep, and mental well-being. It’s not just about managing attention or hyperactivity; it’s about understanding how biological rhythms and daily rest influence emotional health and satisfaction with life.
By recognizing the role of insomnia, healthcare professionals can take a more comprehensive approach—addressing not only the behavioral and cognitive aspects of ADHD, but also the fundamental role of restorative sleep in improving day-to-day functioning and happiness.
Research Reference:
Associations of ADHD symptom severity, sleep/circadian factors, depression, and quality of life – BMJ Mental Health (2025)
