Sleep and ADHD - Practical Skills for Professionals

Sleep difficulties are highly prevalent in ADHD, with the relationship proving complex and multifacted bidirectional. Sleep difficulties can influence attention, emotional regulation, learning, behaviour, and family wellbeing, while ADHD characteristics can shape how sleep difficulties develop, present, and respond to intervention.

For psychologists working with children and young people with ADHD, clinical questions often arise: When might sleep be contributing to daytime challenges? When should an underlying sleep disorder be considered? How do medication effects, co-occurring conditions, family routines, and developmental factors influence the picture?

This interactive, half-day workshop is designed for psychologists with existing knowledge of ADHD who want to develop their expertise in sleep.

The focus will be on practical, case-based learning, with opportunities to share experiences and explore real-world clinical challenges.

Through case discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative problem-solving, we’ll explore:

• The bidirectional relationship between sleep and ADHD
• Common sleep difficulties and sleep disorders in children and young people with ADHD
• The behavioural, neuropsychological, and socio-emotional factors that influence sleep
• Evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention
• Referral pathways and specialist input for complex sleep needs

Slides and resources will be made available online after the workshop.

Presenter Bio:

Dr Nicola Cann is a sleep psychologist and founder of an international telehealth service providing consultations, workshops, and training for individuals, schools, businesses, and community organisations. Since completing her psychology training in the UK in 2012, Nicola has worked across public and private services in the UK, New Zealand, and Singapore. Increasingly drawn to sleep psychology, she established her own practice in 2021 and has specialised in sleep full time since then.

Her approach brings together research, clinical experience, and a practical understanding of how sleep issues unfold in everyday life and everyday practice. Her work and commentary on sleep have appeared in scientific publications and a range of media outlets, and she regularly contributes to professional training and conferences. Nicola currently divides her time between New Zealand and Singapore and works closely with clinicians and services committed to improving sleep health.