Stimulant medications prescribed to children with ADHD may be causing sleep deprivation, research suggests.

CBS News reports that an analysis published in the journal Pediatrics highlights the conflicting research that children on the stimulants take longer to fall asleep, have lower-quality sleep, and shorter sleep periods than those not on the medications. For decades, researchers have had conflicting opinions on the effect the medication has on children with ADHD.

Dr. Andrew Adesman of North Shore-LIJ’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York suggests that the sleep problems may stem from “a delay in sleep onset.”

Estimates show that 7 percent of children, worldwide have ADHD. ADHD is a condition that causes difficulty paying attention, hyperactive behavior, and impulsive actions. In the U.S., estimates say that anywhere between 5 and 11 percent of children have ADHD.

Around 3.5 percent of children diagnosed are prescribed medication like Ritalin and Adderall. These commonly prescribed medications are considered stimulants, and are the most common form of treatment for ADHD.  The research shows that methylphenidate drugs, like Ritalin and amphetamines, like Adderall lead to poor sleep in children.

Research also found that boys are more likely to experience sleep trouble, and that while sleep trouble may decrease, it may never completely go away. Experts say to monitor sleep problems closely, and recommend using the lowest dosage possible. Some suggest changing the medication completely.

The team behind the study recommends utilizing behavioral treatments to help with treatment, urging physicians and parents to consider the pros and cons associated with the stimulant prescriptions.