Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Understanding Sudden Sleepiness and ADHD: The Science and Solutions

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

Posted: October 21, 2025

Sudden sleepiness is common experience among individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and is characterized by sudden and overwhelming sleepiness, often when the individual's their attention drifts away from a task or situation. This experience can be both frustrating and confusing, but it is rooted in the unique challenges faced by those with ADHD, particularly concerning executive functioning.

Up Close with Upward: Running on Empty

By Courtney Worley, Ph.D., ABPP, DBSM, M.P.H.

Advice

Sleep Insomnia

Posted: October 16, 2025

Dear Upward, My days are crammed with work, kids, and responsibilities. By the time I fall into bed it's late, and I'm up again before sunrise. On rare weekends when I could sleep in, my body refuses. I see two options: (1) wake up naturally and hope to drift back to sleep a few times, or (2) knock myself out with sleep meds or herbal remedies. Which path actually helps my body recover? What's worse for my health: too little sleep or too much medication? —Running on Empty