Summer is its own social animal. With school out, long sunny evenings, and a million group chats buzzing about rooftop gatherings, beach trips, and spontaneous cookouts—FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) turns up the heat. And for ADHD brains, this season can completely derail any chance of decent sleep.
That’s why I’m bringing this blog back out.
And this version was inspired by my youngest client. ❤️
She’d been staying up until the wee hours, trapped in the loop of ADHD-fueled FOMO. So I asked her:
“What’s a reframe you could use about the purpose of sleep for an ADHD brain?”
Her response?
“Sleep makes us pretty—mentally and physically.”
A reminder that was funny, wise, and so true.
Let’s break down why sleep can feel so elusive for ADHDers—and how that reframe might just help you reclaim your rest.
How ADHD and FOMO Impact Sleep
1. Hyperfocus and Late-Night Productivity
ADHD can cause “hyperfocus”—getting so locked in that you lose all track of time. You meant to wind down, but suddenly it’s 1 AM and you’re knee-deep in a Wikipedia rabbit hole.
2. Fear of Missing Out
ADHD brains crave novelty and stimulation, which makes it hard to turn off your brain (or your phone). That feeling of “just one more scroll” or “what if something fun is happening?” delays rest.
3. Difficulty Unwinding
Shifting from high stimulation to sleep isn’t easy. Racing thoughts, lingering conversations, or tomorrow’s to-dos make it tough to calm down.
4. Dopamine Dysregulation
ADHD and FOMO both revolve around dopamine. Your brain might prioritize the reward of staying up late over the long-term benefit of sleep.
Consequences of Poor Sleep
- Increased ADHD Symptoms
- Lack of sleep intensifies inattention, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity.
- Emotional Burnout
- Irritability, anxiety, and feeling fried become more common.
- Reduced Productivity
That to-do list? It only grows when your executive functions are running on fumes.
Strategies to Reclaim Rest
1. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Blackout curtains, calming scents, white noise. Make your space a cue for winding down.
2. Set a Digital Curfew
Your phone will be fine without you. Turn it off an hour before bed and let your nervous system chill.
3. Practice a Wind-Down Routine
Journaling, reading, low-stimulation music—anything that signals “we’re closing shop for the day.”
4. Reframe the FOMO
Instead of “What am I missing?” ask:
“What am I giving myself by resting?”
Sleep isn’t missing out—it’s tuning in. It’s where your brain restores clarity, your body heals, and your ideas get time to incubate.
Or as my client wisely put it:
“Sleep makes us pretty—mentally and physically.” Yes. That part.
5. Get Support
ADHD coaches and therapists can help you build routines that work with your brain, not against it. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
This revised blog was inspired by one of my youngest (and wisest) clients.
Her insight reminds us that ADHD doesn’t mean broken—it means different. And different can still be brilliant, resilient, and beautiful… especially after a good night’s sleep.
You’re not lazy for resting.
You’re restoring. You’re glowing up.
You’re becoming the sharpest, clearest, most radiant version of you.
#ADHDFOMO #NeurodivergentRest #MentalGlowUp #RestIsProductive #SwiftLyfeCoaching #ClientInspired