Amphetamine-type stimulants in young adults with ADHD: effects on sleep, circadian rhythms, and neuropsychiatric outcomes
Abstract
Amphetamine-type stimulants are widely prescribed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are commonly used by college-aged individuals. While effective for improving attention and executive function, these medications may also influence sleep and circadian regulation. College students are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances because young adulthood is characterized by a biologically delayed circadian phase that favors later sleep timing. Combined with academic and social demands and nighttime light exposure, as well as the high prevalence of delayed circadian rhythms in ADHD, these factors may increase susceptibility to circadian misalignment and sleep disruption. This mini-review provides a narrative synthesis of the current literature examining the relationship between amphetamine-type stimulant use, sleep and circadian dysregulation, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in young adults with ADHD. Understanding how stimulant pharmacology interacts with the circadian system and sleep may help optimize treatment strategies and reduce side effects in young adults with ADHD.
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