Are you struggling to sleep at night, feeling restless and unfocused during the day? Do you find it hard to concentrate on tasks or activities that normally bring you joy? You’re not alone. Research suggests that adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits are more likely to experience insomnia, which can exacerbate their symptoms.

A recent study published in BMJ Mental Health found a strong link between ADHD traits, insomnia severity, and reduced life satisfaction. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 adult participants who completed an online survey about ADHD traits, sleep disturbances, circadian factors, depression, and quality of life. Their findings revealed that:

* Adults with higher ADHD traits reported worse depression, more severe insomnia, lower sleep quality, and a preference for going to bed and waking up later.
* Insomnia severity predicted a lower quality of life, suggesting that it may be a key factor in the vicious cycle between ADHD and reduced well-being.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa, notes that “sleep disruption can impact neurobehavioral and cognitive systems, including attention and emotional regulation.” This underscores the importance of addressing insomnia in individuals with ADHD traits.

Professor Samuele Cortese, a co-author on the paper, emphasizes the need for further research to understand this complex interplay between ADHD and insomnia. He suggests that targeting insomnia complaints through therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or Sleep Restriction therapy may help improve the quality of life for individuals with higher ADHD traits.

While the study’s findings are promising, it’s essential to remember that every individual is unique, and addressing insomnia requires a personalized approach. By acknowledging the intersection of ADHD and insomnia, we can begin to break this vicious cycle and work towards improving overall well-being.

If you or someone you know struggles with ADHD and insomnia, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

The consumption of certain sweeteners commonly found in foods and beverages may increase the risk of early puberty in children, particularly among those who are genetically predisposed. According to a recent study presented at ENDO 2025, researchers found that consuming aspartame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, and added sugars was significantly associated with a higher risk of central precocious puberty.

Central precocious puberty is a type of early puberty characterized by emotional distress, shorter adult height, and increased risk of future metabolic and reproductive disorders. This condition can be triggered by genetic predisposition, making it more likely to occur in children who already have certain genetic traits.

The researchers also discovered that the more of these sweeteners consumed, the higher the risk of central precocious puberty. For example, sucralose consumption was linked to a higher risk of early puberty in boys, while glycyrrhizin and added sugars were associated with an increased risk in girls.

“This study highlights gender differences in how sweeteners affect boys and girls,” said Dr. Yang-Ching Chen, M.D., Ph.D., the lead researcher. “It also adds an important layer to our understanding of individualized health risks.”

The Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study (TPLS) found that certain artificial sweeteners can directly influence hormones and gut bacteria linked to early puberty. For instance, one artificial sweetener called acesulfame potassium or AceK was shown to trigger the release of puberty-related hormones by activating “sweet taste” pathways in brain cells and increasing stress-related molecules.

Another sweetener, glycyrrhizin, found in licorice, changes the balance of gut bacteria and reduces the activity of genes involved in triggering puberty. This suggests that what children eat and drink, especially products with sweeteners, may have a surprising and powerful impact on their development.

The findings from the TPLS study are directly relevant to families, pediatricians, and public health authorities. They suggest that screening for genetic risk and moderating sweetener intake could help prevent early puberty and its long-term health consequences. This could lead to new dietary guidelines or risk assessment tools for children, supporting healthier development.

“The sweet but risky truth is that even seemingly innocent foods can have significant effects on children’s health,” said Dr. Chen. “It’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with certain sweeteners and take steps to mitigate them.”

“Deadly Disguise: How Candy-Like Nicotine Pouches Led to a 763% Spike in Child Poisonings”

A new study has revealed that ingestions of nicotine pouches by young children have surged in recent years. Researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center analyzed calls to U.S. poison centers and found a staggering 763% increase in the rate of reported nicotine pouch ingestions among children younger than 6 years old from 2020 to 2023.

Nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine powder and are placed in the mouth, were not tracked in national poison center data until 2020. However, between 2020 and 2023 (the most recent year of data from the study), the rate of unintentional ingestion of nicotine pouches by young children increased at a fast rate – even as ingestion rates for other formulations of nicotine declined.

“The rapid increase in the number and comparative severity of nicotine pouch ingestions is a reminder of the public health challenges of the changing nicotine product market,” said Hannah Hays, MD, co-author of the study and medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center. “This is why we need to continue ongoing surveillance and increase our efforts to prevent nicotine ingestions among young children.”

The study, published in Pediatrics, also investigated other nicotine products and formulations. Researchers examined nearly 135,000 cases of nicotine ingestions among children younger than 6 years old that were reported to U.S. poison centers from 2010 through 2023. Most ingestions occurred at home and involved children under the age of 2 years.

While most exposures resulted in minor or no effects, there were 39 cases with major medical outcomes and two deaths. The overall rate of all nicotine ingestions increased 59% from 2010-2015 before decreasing 34% from 2015-2023. This rate was primarily driven by the ingestion rate for liquid nicotine and nicotine solid formulations such as tablets, capsules, and caplets.

The study’s findings have significant implications for public health policy and prevention strategies. “Many nicotine products are flavored and sold in colorful packaging that may be attractive to a young child,” said Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, senior author of the study and director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s. “Banning flavors in all nicotine products helps reduce unintentional ingestions by young children as well as discourage use among teens.”

Researchers also shared a few safety tips for parents and caregivers of young children. The safest choice is to keep all nicotine products out of the home. If you choose to have them in your home, you can lower the risk by following these steps:

* Store nicotine products safely and securely.
* Keep an eye on your child at all times when they are in the same room as nicotine products.
* Be aware of the potential for accidental ingestion and take immediate action if it occurs.

By taking these precautions, parents and caregivers can help prevent nicotine poisonings among young children.