ADHD medications mimic the effects of a good night’s sleep rather than controlling attention, researchers find

24 December 2025

Getty Images/timnewman

By Daniel Pye

Stimulant medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) primarily work on the brain’s reward and wakefulness centres rather than controlling attention, researchers have found.

It could mean that addressing inadequate sleep is as important as considering medication for children with possible ADHD.







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