By: Dominika Wehbe, Provisional Psychologist

Have you ever looked at the clock and wondered where the last hour disappeared to?

What Causes It

Time blindness is when a person has difficulty noticing, understanding, or keeping track of time. It is common in people with ADHD and can make it hard to judge how long something will take or how much time has passed. Someone may feel like they have only spent a few minutes on an activity, only to realise an hour has gone by. This happens because the brain can struggle with attention, memory, and planning ahead. Tasks that are boring or do not give immediate rewards can also feel harder to start or stay focused on. Some people may become so focused on one activity that they lose track of everything else around them. Without reminders, schedules, or routines, managing time can become even more difficult.

Impacts on Daily Life

Time blindness can affect many parts of everyday life. People may often run late, forget appointments, or leave tasks until the last minute because they do not realise how quickly time is passing. Schoolwork, chores, and work tasks may feel overwhelming when it is hard to estimate how long they will take. Some people may spend much longer on one activity than planned and then struggle to complete other responsibilities. Daily routines such as getting ready in the morning, eating meals, or going to bed on time can also become difficult. Over time, these challenges can lead to stress, frustration, and feeling disappointed in themselves. Others may wrongly assume the person is lazy or careless, when really they are struggling with managing time.

Tools for Improvement

There are many helpful strategies that can improve time awareness. Visual timers, alarms, and phone reminders can help make time easier to notice. Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can make them feel less overwhelming and easier to begin. Using routines, such as following the same morning or bedtime schedule each day, can also create structure and predictability. Some people benefit from leaving extra “buffer time” between activities in case things take longer than expected. Calendars, planners, and checklists can also support organisation. While time blindness may not completely disappear, using practical tools and supports can make daily life feel more manageable and less stressful.

References

• Barkley, R. A., et al. (2019). Clinical Implications of the Perception of Time in ADHD: A Review. Medical Science Monitor.
• Switched On Kids Cognition. “Time Blindness.”
• Sebalo Vnukova, M. ADHD and Time Perception: Findings and Treatments.