Between 50 and 75% of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also suffer from sleep problems. ADHD is often misdiagnosed and can be linked to sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can leave you feeling tired, disinterested, and unmotivated, which are also symptoms of ADHD. The relationship is complex and not always straightforward. Thankfully, completing a sleep study with a specialist can save you time, hardship, and money in your journey to restful sleep.
Shared Symptoms Between ADHD & Sleep Apnea
Symptoms of ADHD include, according to WebMD:
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Impulsivity
- Disorganization
- Easily distracted
- Forgetfulness
Sleep apnea causes similar symptoms, including irritability, lack of focus, and daytime exhaustion. These common symptoms often lead to a misdiagnosis.
If only some of your symptoms fit the profile of ADHD, we recommend finding a sleep specialist to complete a study. This study will give our dentists a more complete and accurate picture of your health.
Misdiagnoses Happen: The Safety of a Sleep Study
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from a condition where the muscles at the back of the throat relax and don’t hold your airway open as you sleep. This disruption wakes you up as soon as you stop breathing and robs the body of its energy. Many people don’t remember waking up following an apneic episode.
In 2013, Dr. Lauri Blesch and scientist Sarah Breese published a study on the experience of a young man who reported sleeping more than eight hours each night. However, he still felt tired and found it hard to focus during the day. A doctor first diagnosed him with ADHD and prescribed appropriate medication for the condition. But the patient returned five months later, still feeling tired. He visited a sleep specialist and discovered that he was suffering from sleep apnea. A second evaluation ruled that he didn’t have adult ADHD.
Because symptoms can be so similar, initial misdiagnoses can happen. You may benefit from a sleep study if some ADHD symptoms don’t reflect your experience.
A CPAP or CPAP Alternative Can Help
If your symptoms are caused by obstructive sleep apnea, a CPAP or CPAP alternative such as an oral sleep appliance can help maintain a normal flow of oxygen into your lungs. Some patients suffer from both sleep apnea and ADHD. In these situations, sleep apnea can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. A CPAP or CPAP alternative can help alleviate many problems associated with ADHD.
If you would like to learn more or would like guidance on scheduling a sleep study, please give us a call at our number below or use the form to reach out to us by email.
