intrusive sleep

We’ve all heard of intrusive thoughts but have you heard of Intrusive Sleep?

It is one of four common sleep disturbances often experienced by people with ADHD. The other three are: 

Difficulty Falling Asleep

Restless Sleep

Difficulty Waking Up

Intrusive sleep mostly affects people with ADHD and it can have quite a detrimental effect on their lives

It can occur when that person suddenly loses interest or becomes bored with whatever activity they are doing or person they are listening to. Their nervous system disengages so abruptly that it can cause them to immediately become drowsy or even fall asleep on the spot.

The science behind Intrusive Sleep

Marian Sigurdson PhD is an expert in electroencephalography (EEG), which is the recording of electrical activity in the brain, and says you can actually see a sudden influx of different brain waves (theta waves) during an episode of intrusive sleep.

She explains: “We all have seen “theta wave intrusion,” in the student in the back of the classroom who suddenly crashes to the floor, having “fallen asleep.” This was probably someone with ADHD who was losing consciousness due to boredom rather than falling asleep.”

Intrusive sleep is not something to be dismissed as it can be life-threatening to the person and others if it occurs while driving on long or monotonous stretches of straight roads.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to record exactly how widespread the issue of intrusive sleep is as it is difficult to recreate the conditions required for testing in a laboratory.

Intrusive Sleep and ADHD

In this Tiktok video, therapist Alex Hogg discusses why intrusive sleep is more common among the neurodivergent community:

@alosaurolophus

intrusive sleep #myadhdlife #neurospicy #mentalhealthmatters #tismwhisperer #adhdad #teamnd #tiktokcounselor

♬ original sound - Alex Hogg

Tools for coping with Intrusive Sleep

He also offers the following advice for dealing with intrusive sleep:

  • If you feel yourself starting to lose interest or get drowsy, get up, move around and get some fresh air if possible

  • Eat something with an intense flavour – very spicy, bitter or sour

  • Drink a very cold beverage

  • Chew a strongly-flavoured chewing gum. The act of mastication will help keep you awake

  • Keep a notebook handy to doodle in or make notes on

  • If the situation allows it, listen to upbeat music

If you are worried about intrusive sleep, intrusive thoughts, or you have something else on your mind, you can contact us at Childline. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get in touch by calling 1800 66 66 66 or via online chat at www.childline.ie. 

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