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.