New research published in JNeurosci We’re investigating how short periods of sleep, like brain activity during wakefulness, affect a person’s ability to stay focused. Elaine Pingal and her team at Monash University investigated whether this type of brain activity is particularly involved in poor attention in adults with ADHD.
To find out, researchers measured sleep and similar brain activity in 32 adults with ADHD who had stopped taking their medications and compared them to 31 neurotypical adults. All participants completed tasks that required sustained attention.
The results showed that people with ADHD experience more frequent sleep episodes like brain activity. These moments were associated with more frequent lapses in attention. Further analysis suggested that this brain activity may help explain why ADHD is associated with attentional difficulties, such as increased errors on task, slower reaction times, and increased sleepiness.
Why does the brain fall into a sleep-like state?
Pingal explains that such short-term changes in brain activity are not uncommon, especially during mentally demanding tasks.
“Sleep-like brain activity is a normal phenomenon that occurs during demanding tasks. Think of running long distances, getting tired after a while, and stopping to take a break. We all experience these short sleep-like activities. But in people with ADHD, this activity And our study suggests that this increase in sleep-like activity may be an important brain mechanism that helps explain why these people have more difficulty maintaining consistent attention and performance during tasks.”
Potential future treatments targeting sleep-related brain activity
Previous studies in neurotypical individuals have shown that auditory stimulation during sleep can increase slow-wave activity. This may help reduce sleep, including brain activity the next day while a person is awake.
A possible next step, Pingal said, is to test whether this same method can reduce daytime sleep, including brain activity, in people with ADHD. If effective, it could point to new ways to improve attention and task performance.
About ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can interfere with daily activities such as school, work, and relationships. People with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused, completing tasks, planning activities, and controlling impulses.
This condition is associated with differences in brain function and development, particularly in areas involved in attention, self-control, and executive functions. Symptoms vary widely, with some people experiencing primarily inattention, while others exhibit more hyperactive or impulsive behavior, or a combination of both.
