If you live or work in an environment without consistent access to sunlight (maybe you work the night shift), you could benefit from adding light therapy to your morning routine (or using it whenever you typically wake up). Light therapyĮxposing your body to light during the day and darkness at night is essential to keeping your circadian rhythms in check - which, as we know, can help you ward off the negative effects of poor sleep.Įven better, an open trial of ADHD patients found that bright light therapy in the morning improved participants’ moods and helped reduce their core ADHD symptoms. If you think a melatonin supplement could help you catch some better Zzz’s, get one here. Try starting with a very low dose (as low as 0.2 milligrams) and working your way up to figure out your ideal amount to take each night. And while melatonin is safe for both adults and children in the short term, not as much is known about long-term use. It’s not clear whether melatonin has any other effects on ADHD symptoms. Taking a melatonin supplement can help you get those levels back on a normal schedule. It’s a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate your shut-eye, and when your sleep cycle gets messed up, your melatonin levels might also be out of whack. One way to manage sleep issues naturally is to take melatonin every night before you hit the pillow. In people with ADHD, poor sleep can make it harder to pay attention. Melatoninĭid you know sleep deprivation affects everything from your memory to your digestive system? It’s well-known that lack of sleep can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. (Plus, if you use code Greatist19 at checkout, you’ll get an extra $25 off.) 2. Not a fan of waiting in line at the grocery store? Sitka Salmon Shares will deliver sustainable, wild-caught fish from independent Alaskan fishers right to your door. You can also up your omega-3 intake by eating more seafood. If you’d like to try them, you can get some here. Research has shown that omega-3s affect serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain and lessen oxidative stress, which sometimes occurs in people with ADHD.įish oil pills are the easiest way to add concentrated amounts of omega-3s to your diet. But as it turns out, they may also be useful in lessening symptoms of ADHD. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their brain-boosting qualities, and there are plenty of reasons why they make a great addition to a healthy diet. Still, when combined with a healthy overall lifestyle, they may provide some relief. The effects of these treatments are mild compared with those of prescription medication. If you’re looking to treat ADHD without meds, here are some science-backed alternatives to add to your daily routine (just keep in mind that these aren’t FDA-approved). Going au naturale: 11 drug-free ways to treat ADHD And don’t worry - there are other options you can try. If you’re concerned about side effects, talk to your doctor. These drugs can have side effects such as mood swings, sleep problems, and loss of appetite. While medications like Adderall can help reduce these symptoms, some people might not like the ways their bodies react to medication. Sometimes an adult with ADHD may be described as “ driven by a motor” (constantly moving or on the go).Īdults with ADHD might also be frequent hand and foot tappers who thrive on starting projects but have trouble finishing them. In adults, ADHD causes impatience and restlessness, which make concentration difficult. In children, it can result in constant fidgeting, moving around, or behavior that others might interpret as rowdy (aka the kid who seems to think “puzzle hour” is code for WWE SmackDown). It can also make you forgetful, less than great at organization, and prone to losing things. It makes it harder to focus and complete tasks on a schedule - something most of us have to do every day at work or school - which makes it difficult to be productive. ADHD is more than just a stereotype about someone’s short attention span going haywire.
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