ADHD Brains Exhibit Sleep-Like Activity Patterns Even While Awake, Study Finds

A new study published in JNeurosci suggests that adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder may experience brief episodes of sleep-like brain activity even while awake, potentially contributing to attention difficulties. The research provides new insight into the neurological basis of focus and cognitive performance.

The study involved 32 adults with ADHD who had discontinued medication and 31 neurotypical participants. All individuals completed tasks requiring sustained attention while researchers monitored their brain activity. Results showed that participants with ADHD experienced more frequent “micro-episodes” of sleep-like brain patterns.

These episodes were strongly associated with lapses in attention, slower reaction times, increased errors, and greater feelings of fatigue.

Researchers explain that such brain activity is not unusual and can occur in anyone during prolonged or demanding mental tasks. However, in individuals with ADHD, these episodes appear more often, making it harder to maintain consistent focus and performance.

The findings suggest that these brief shifts into sleep-like states may represent an underlying mechanism contributing to attention challenges in ADHD. This could help explain why individuals often struggle with sustained concentration despite effort.

Importantly, the study also highlights potential future treatment directions. Previous research indicates that auditory stimulation during sleep can enhance slow-wave brain activity, which may reduce daytime sleep-like episodes. Scientists propose that similar approaches could be explored to improve attention in people with ADHD.

Overall, the research offers a promising step toward understanding the brain dynamics behind ADHD and opens the door to innovative, non-pharmacological strategies for managing attention deficits.

REFERENCE: Elaine Pinggal, James Jackson, Anikó Kusztor, David Chapman, Jennifer Windt, Sean P.A. Drummond, Tim J. Silk, Mark A. Bellgrove, Thomas Andrillon. Sleep-like Slow Waves During Wakefulness Mediate Attention and Vigilance Difficulties in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2026; e1694252025 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1694-25.2025