How Are Sleep Apnea & ADHD Related?

Do you struggle paying attention? Do you find that you are increasingly forgetful? Sleep apnea and ADHD have similar symptoms. Because of this, it can be difficult to tell which one is ailing you. Read on to learn more about ADHD and sleep apnea, how they work, their connection, and what you should do if you think you have one or both of them.

How Do Sleep Apnea & ADHD Work?

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes one to continuously stop and restart breathing during sleep. This can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen. Common indicators include fatigue, exhaustion, snoring, mood changes, insomnia, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that can interfere with daily tasks. Those who have ADHD experience a wide range of symptoms, including overlooking or missing details, having difficulty paying attention, having difficulty listening when being spoken to, struggling to organize and complete tasks, struggling to manage time, being forgetful, and more.

How Are Sleep Apnea & ADHD Related?

Approximately 1/3 of patients who have ADHD may also have sleep apnea. This is due to the fact that lacking quality rest can lead to symptoms that are commonly associated with ADHD. This includes difficulty focusing and irritability. Because of this, many people who have sleep apnea are often misdiagnosed with ADHD. For those who have both of these conditions, the sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can actually make ADHD signs worse.

What Should You Do If You Have Sleep Apnea and/or ADHD Symptoms?

The first step to take is to see a medical professional to get a diagnosis. The only way that these conditions can be properly addressed is if they have been confirmed by an expert. Then, you can discuss treatment options and put together a plan to meet your needs and ease your symptoms. For example, sleep apnea can be managed with lifestyle changes, oral appliances, CPAP, or a combination of approaches. For ADHD, medication, therapy, or a combination of the two can help to manage both disorders.

Both ADHD and sleep apnea can negatively influence your daily life, but you don’t need to struggle with them on your own. By seeking help from a professional, you can work to ease your symptoms and improve your day-to-day life.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack earned her dental doctorate with honors from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Since then, she has attended numerous continuing education courses about airway obstruction, snoring, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Currently, she is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule an appointment at her office in Weatherford, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.