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Sleep circadian timing and arousal
Circadian timing, sleep pressure and arousal interact but are not identical. Sleep loss can worsen performance without establishing the origin of ADHD.
Sleep circadian timing and arousal
Scoped educational mechanism
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Two major organising processes are circadian timing and sleep homeostasis. Light helps synchronise circadian rhythms, while prior wakefulness contributes to sleep pressure. These interact with arousal systems and everyday context. Sleep supports many functions, and disruption can affect attention, mood and physical health. This overview is not a diagnosis of a sleep disorder, evidence that sleep loss causes every ADHD case, or an instruction about sleeping medication or supplements.
What the diagram shows
Two major organising processes are circadian timing and sleep homeostasis. Light helps synchronise circadian rhythms, while prior wakefulness contributes to sleep pressure. These interact with arousal systems and everyday context. Sleep supports many functions, and disruption can affect attention, mood and physical health. This overview is not a diagnosis of a sleep disorder, evidence that sleep loss causes every ADHD case, or an instruction about sleeping medication or supplements.