Distinguishing Between Sleep Apnea and ADHD

Does your child struggle in school, or have difficulty focusing on one activity for a period of time? Though diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has exploded among kids in recent years, it’s possible that your child could be suffering from sleep apnea symptoms.

The symptoms of ADHD and sleep apnea can sometimes overlap. Both often result in:

• Extreme daytime fatigue
• Diminished concentration
• Mood swings and irritability

Children with sleep apnea often face a number of challenges. Chronic inability to sleep well at night can compromise performance in the classroom, cause behavior problems that lead to strained social interactions with peers, and long-term even stunt growth.

Thankfully, there are a variety of sleep apnea treatments that can be customized for adults and kids alike. Although only a qualified physician can provide diagnosis and recommend the correct treatment option, sleep apnea does have several warning signs your child could exhibit.

Like many adults with the disorder, children who suffer from sleep apnea often snore very loudly at night. They might also be extremely tired during the day, and complain of headaches upon waking up.

If you’ve noticed symptoms like these in your child, contact an experienced sleep doctor in your area or call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) to begin exploring sleep apnea treatment options.

Sleep Apnea Appliance Market on Upward Move

Recent data suggest that the market for devices used to diagnose and treat sleep apnea is expected to grow by more than 15 percent in the next two years. Greater supply of and demand for sleep apnea appliances can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of the sleep disorder, which can have fatal consequences if left untreated.

The exact cause of sleep apnea is currently unknown. What is known is that the disturbances in blood oxygen level stemming from interrupted breathing during sleep lead to a variety of serious symptoms.

Research shows that some of the major risk factors for developing sleep apnea are: 

• Age: People over 60 are more likely to develop sleep apnea
• Weight: Overweight and obese individuals are at a significantly higher risk of sleep apnea
• Airway obstructions: Nasal congestion, enlarged tonsils, and narrowness of the throat can interrupt the flow of breath during sleep
• Substance use: Alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives can all increase the likelihood of sleep apnea symptoms

If you're at risk for or already have sleep apnea, appliances for diagnosis and treatment are easy to find. However, many patients find themselves unable to use certain sleep apnea appliances long-term due to discomfort and interruptions to sleep.

Before selecting a sleep apnea appliance, consult a qualified sleep physician who can discuss your options and which one might benefit you the most. To begin exploring treatment, please contact a sleep doctor in your area or call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK).

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you find yourself snoring throughout the night and oftentimes waking up severely tired, you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person has difficulty breathing while sleeping, which can sometimes lead to brief cessations of breathing altogether. These breathing problems can cause the patient to never have a fully restful sleep, oftentimes leaving them groggy and sluggish throughout the day.

When considering treatment options for sleep apnea, there are a variety of ways to alleviate the symptoms, including:

•         CPAP device
•          Oral appliance therapy
•          Surgery
•          Behavioral changes
•          Positional sleep therapy
•          Medications

A very common treatment is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device which is often prescribed for sufferers of sleep apnea. The CPAP device would involve you wearing a mask while you sleep that sends air through the nasal passages using a pressurized system. This keeps air flowing through your airway, however, it is oftentimes considered uncomfortable.

Oral appliance therapy involves the use of an oral appliance that can be used to manipulate the jaw so breathing isn't difficult during sleep.

Sometimes medications will be administered in order to alter hormones that may be involved in the breathing difficulties that arise from sleep apnea.

Behavioral therapy can also help to lessen your sleep apnea symptoms. These can include limiting your alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, as both of these can contribute to relaxed muscles in the throat.

Positional sleep therapy can also be integrated as a form of treatment where you simply train yourself to sleep in positions that do not inhibit your breathing abilities.

For more information on sleep apnea treatment, please contact a sleep doctor in your area or call 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) today.

FDA Approves New Sleep Apnea Treatment

The Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation device is expected to be available to sleep apnea patients later this year after receiving FDA approval at the beginning of May. The Inspire appliance is the latest addition to the wide range of sleep apnea treatments prescribed by doctors to help suffering patients breathe easier at night.

Once it is surgically implanted in the chest, the Inspire device stimulates nerves in the neck with mild electric shocks. These shocks trigger nerve activity that keeps the airway open during sleep. 

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, patients who used Inspire experienced a 68 percent reduction in apnea attacks.

Though Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation isn't yet available to consumers, there are other sleep apnea treatments to choose from. Some of the most common examples include:

·         Weight loss, adjustments to your normal position in bed, and other behavior modifications

·         Specially made oral appliances, such as a custom splint or mouth guard

·         Surgery to adjust structures in the airway that block air flow

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is often considered the “gold standard” treatment for sleep apnea. Unfortunately, many users find the appliance uncomfortable and difficult to use night after night, hampering its effectiveness as a treatment option.

Before you decide on any sleep apnea treatment, it's important to consult a professional who can carefully evaluate your health and determine which remedy could best restore your good night's rest. Untreated sleep apnea can be deadly: Don't delay contacting a local sleep physician or calling 1-866-727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) today to find an experienced doctor near you.