Attention Coffee Sufferers: The Inverse Relationship Between ADHD and Caffeine

For most people, coffee equals wakefulness. That first sip of coffee before eyes are fully open in the morning practically brings the mind back to life. However, for some people, things work the opposite way. Especially in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), coffee sometimes has the opposite effect: it induces sleep.

If you're one of those who ask, "What do you mean? Do caffeinated drinks make you sleepy?", then this article is for you.

First, a quick reminder: How does caffeine work?

Caffeine is a molecule that has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. It acts as a blocker against a chemical in the brain called adenosine . Adenosine is a compound that accumulates throughout the day and increases "sleep pressure." Caffeine suppresses sleepiness by temporarily blocking adenosine receptors.

So, for most people, sobering up happens because caffeine blocks the effect of adenosine.

So why does it backfire in individuals with ADHD?

In individuals with ADHD, brain chemistry, particularly in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine , differs from typical functioning. The brains of these individuals typically:

• They struggle with motivation and attention management due to low dopamine levels.

• Internal arousal levels are more unstable.

• A tendency towards "excessive slowing" or "unnecessary speeding up" of brain activity may be observed.

Caffeine comes into play here, but not in the same way for everyone.

Why Sleepiness Instead of Lethargy?

This is where things get interesting. Studies show that:

In some individuals with ADHD, caffeine can have a "relaxing" effect rather than regulating brain waves.

Possible causes:

1. Paradoxical Stimulant Effect: Many medications used for ADHD are also in the stimulant class (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall). However, these stimulants can paradoxically calm the person. Caffeine can also have a similar effect in low doses.

2. Caffeine Tolerance and Insensitivity: Because some individuals with ADHD have consumed caffeine frequently since childhood, the classic stimulant effects may disappear over time.

3. Balancing Excessive Nervous System Activity: In ADHD, the brain often "works in an overly chaotic manner." Caffeine can help regulate this chaos to some extent, relaxing the person and potentially leading to drowsiness.

4. Individual Genetic Differences Regarding Caffeine: There are variations in the CYP1A2 gene, which is responsible for breaking down caffeine. Some people metabolize caffeine very slowly, which can lead to different effects.

What does scientific support say?

• A 2019 review (Satterfield & Swanson) states that caffeine may improve ADHD symptoms to a limited extent, but that its effects vary greatly from person to person.

• A meta-analysis published in 2023 noted that caffeine can increase attention span in people with ADHD, but also made it easier to fall asleep in some participants.

• Sources like Healthline and ADD.org also point out that the effect of caffeine on ADHD may be "non-standard".

A Real-Life Example: "I Can't Sleep Without Drinking Coffee"

Many adults with ADHD say they can't sleep without coffee, especially in the evenings. It sounds contradictory, but this may be acting as a "regulator" to get the brain out of overactive mode .

So what should be done?

1. Know your own body. Everyone's brain works differently. What's good for you might be harmful to someone else.

2. Limit your daily caffeine intake. Even for individuals with ADHD, too much caffeine can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances.

3. If you use caffeine, consider its potential interactions with medications. Those receiving stimulant therapy, in particular, should consult their doctor.

4. If it disrupts your sleep pattern, stop. While caffeine may make you feel good, quality sleep is fundamental to everything.

Not all brains are the same.

For some, coffee is a morning ritual; for others, a stimulant; and for still others, a tranquilizer . Especially in individuals with ADHD, the effects of caffeine may not be as simple and linear as expected. Just because it makes you sleepy doesn't mean you're "working in reverse." It simply indicates that your brain is controlling you differently.

And perhaps that difference is what makes you, you.