Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Treating Sleep Apnea in Children may also Reduce Effects of ADHD


The link between sleep apnea and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has grown increasingly strong in recent years.

While it is not yet known to what extent sleep apnea and other sleep disorders may contribute to ADHD, it is known that many children diagnosed with ADHD are found to suffer from sleep disturbances. One study indicated that about half of the parents whose children suffer from ADHD reported their children had difficulty sleeping. Many of those parents also said their children felt tired upon waking, experienced daytime drowsiness or had regular nightmares, all of which are symptoms of sleep apnea.

Either alone or in conjunction with one another, sleep apnea and ADHD can pose problems for children beyond the lack of restful sleep. Children with sleep apnea or ADHD are often prone to obesity, have difficulty focusing, have behavior problems and demonstrate diminished cognitive skills.

The good news is that diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and sleep apnea have expanded with increased awareness of both conditions. Likewise, a number of studies have demonstrated that treating sleep apnea and other sleep disorders in children with ADHD can reduce the impairments associated with ADHD.

Because many symptoms of ADHD and sleep apnea are shared, it’s advisable to consult with a dentist who is qualified in the field of dental sleep medicine if there are indicators that your child may have ADHD.

To locate an experienced sleep dentist in your area, please contact IHateCPAP.com.

http://www.ihateheadaches.org/