Leslie Amodeo, Cal State San Bernardino associate professor of psychology, has been awarded a $732,484 grant over four years from the National Institutes of Health to study the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant medication, and sleep.

Children diagnosed with ADHD frequently experience sleep disturbances, which can lead to increased daytime sleepiness and amplify behavioral issues often associated with the disorder. Since the most common treatment for childhood ADHD is stimulant medication, methylphenidate (MPH), there is interest in whether this treatment improves or exacerbates sleep disturbances and the development of sleep-related disorders later in life.

This grant will advance the field by better understanding the complex relationship that ADHD and psychostimulant medication can have on sleep and the underlying neurophysiology.

This research holds critical public health relevance. Understanding how ADHD and psychostimulant treatments interact with sleep and neurodevelopment could inform medical professionals, guiding decisions on pediatric ADHD treatment to minimize long-term impacts on sleep health. Findings from this study may contribute to better treatment protocols and more comprehensive management strategies for children with ADHD.

Amodeo's research aims to provide evidence-based insights that clarify the relationship between ADHD medication and sleep disturbances, potentially leading to more effective interventions that improve both behavior and overall quality of life for individuals affected by ADHD.