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Gentle Family Dentistry & Orthodontics

Sleep Apnea & ADHD

Has Your Sleep Apnea Been Misdiagnosed as ADHD?

Feeling irritable throughout the day, being unable to focus on a task, mood swings, and exhaustion are all symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but did you know they’re also symptoms of sleep apnea?

In many cases, especially in children, sleep apnea is misdiagnosed as ADHD. This can result in prescriptions of unnecessary medications and not receiving the proper, most effective treatment.

Shared Symptoms Between ADHD & Sleep Apnea

The following symptoms that are connected to ADHD are also indicative of a sleep disorder:

  • Short attention span/trouble focusing
  • Disorganization
  • Crankiness/irritability
  • Memory problems

If you notice these symptoms occurring in yourself, a loved one, or your child, it’s important to take action. The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is to get a sleep test and review the results with a qualified sleep specialist.

Sleep Tests

Getting a sleep test will determine whether or not you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes your throat muscles to relax, blocking your airway and interfering with your ability to breathe while you sleep. As a result, you wake up several times a night, often without recollection.

Sleep tests can be taken in a facility or in the comfort of your own home. It’s a painless process — you’ll be monitored by special attachments overnight that will record your breathing, movement and temperature patterns.

After your test, a sleep physician will review your results, and if necessary, give a diagnosis. From there, you can seek treatment with Dr. Sage White.

Contact Dr. White Today

Every person should be able to have a good night’s sleep and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. If you’ve tried treatment for other conditions and aren’t seeing results, getting a second opinion can give you comfort and reassurance.

Give Dr. White a call at (435) 267-0486 today — we’ll help you on the road to restored energy, better moods, and the quality of life you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ADHD cause sleep apnea?
Does lack of sleep make ADHD worse?
Does ADHD cause sleep apnea?

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, as many as 25% of children diagnosed with ADHD may have symptoms of sleep apnea. Researchers are unsure of what causes the link between sleep apnea and ADHD, but what’s important is that you seek help. If your child has ADHD or sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Dr. White by calling our office at (435) 267-0486 and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.

Does lack of sleep make ADHD worse?

Whether it’s because of the medication or the disorder itself, lack of sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse. Difficulty sleeping can cause children with ADHD to become more hyperactive. Undergoing a sleep study can help determine if your child would benefit from sleep apnea treatment so you can put an end to their restless nights.

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