The Link Between ADHD and Sleep Apnea

Do you or someone in your family have trouble paying attention or tend to forget things? In many cases, these can be signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short. However, these symptoms are also connected to sleep apnea – a very dangerous condition that can prevent you from getting enough sleep at night. Because these conditions overlap, they can often be related. Here are the facts you and your loved ones need to know.

What are ADHD and Sleep Apnea?

People who have ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, and they’ll often act on impulse. Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed before age 12, but sometimes the condition isn’t properly recognized until adulthood.

Meanwhile, sleep apnea is a disorder where an individual’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted while they’re asleep, usually because their airway has become obstructed in some way. The pauses in breathing cause the brain to force the body awake to get some oxygen. These awakenings are so brief that they’re often forgotten about, but they still interrupt the sleep cycle. As a result, the individual frequently does not get enough rest during the night, which can eventually lead to major health issues.

How are ADHD and Sleep Apnea Linked?

It is estimated that around one-third of patients with ADHD may also be suffering from sleep apnea. This is likely because a lack of quality sleep can lead to symptoms associated with ADHD, such as trouble focusing or irritability. For this reason, people with sleep apnea are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD. And if you happen to have both, the sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can make your ADHD worse.

What Can You Do If You Think You Have Sleep Apnea and/or ADHD?

The most important thing you can do is get a diagnosis; sleep apnea and ADHD can only be properly addressed once an expert has identified them. In many cases, treating sleep apnea will also improve ADHD symptoms, though results can vary depending on the circumstances.

Oftentimes, sleep apnea can be treated with oral appliance therapy. You’ll wear a simple device that repositions your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway clear while you’re asleep. This significantly lowers your risk for obstructions that can lead to sleep apnea episodes.

Meanwhile, ADHD can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. You may be referred to a specialist based on your needs.

Both ADHD and sleep apnea can have a negative influence on the quality of your life. If you suspect that you or someone in your family is suffering from one or both of these conditions, you should seek help from a professional as quickly as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry with honors in 1998. Since 2005, she has attended a number of continuing education courses about obstructive sleep apnea and related topics. At Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, she’s proud to offer high-quality oral appliances to help patients who are suffering from sleep-disordered breathing. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.