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Is it ADHD or Sleep Apnea?

Unraveling the Misdiagnosis Dilemma

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The Prevalence of Misdiagnosis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a burgeoning condition that afflicts over 11,000,000 American adults, characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. However, ADHD is often misidentified, and the actual condition might be a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

ADHD patients frequently experience daytime fatigue and struggle with insomnia. Sleep apnea presents similarly, with sufferers often feeling exhausted and irritable throughout the day and restless at night. This parallel can create confusion, particularly when individuals see no improvement in their condition despite medical treatment for ADHD.

Dr. Greenman advocates that ADHD patients who don't observe any improvement in their daytime energy levels undergo a sleep study.

Could Your ADHD Actually Be Sleep Apnea?

Numerous signs point towards attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it's critical to discern the overlapping symptoms of ADHD and sleep apnea for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Common symptoms of ADHD include:

  • Difficulty maintaining focus
  • Easy distractibility
  • Forgetfulness
  • Daytime lethargy
  • Impaired social skills
  • Impulsivity
  • Irritability

Sleep apnea shares several symptoms with ADHD, which often leads to it being overlooked. The overlapping signs include irritability, lack of daytime energy, forgetfulness, and insomnia.

ADHD in Children

A vital aspect to note about ADHD is that it is prevalent in nearly two-thirds of children and often continues into adolescence due to misdiagnosis. The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that about 25 percent of children with ADHD may actually have sleep apnea. Hence, distinguishing between ADHD and sleep apnea in your child is crucial for their health and wellbeing.

Distinctive Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) symptoms that may appear in children diagnosed with ADHD include:

  • Sleepwalking
  • Bedwetting
  • Night sweats
  • Mouth-breathing
  • Poor attention span
  • Behavioral and academic issues at school

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child diagnosed with ADHD, it may be time to consult a pediatric sleep specialist for a sleep study, ensuring that your child receives the appropriate care they need.

Steven Greenman DDS