Understanding the Relationship Between ADHD and Sleep Apnea

Did you know that an estimated 25% to 50% of people with ADHD also experience sleeping problems? This can include an increased risk of developing certain sleep disorders, with sleep apnea being a prime example. If you or someone in your family has ADHD, then it’s essential to understand how it can potentially be linked to sleep apnea. Below is a brief look at the relationship between these two conditions.

What are ADHD and Sleep Apnea?

ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a cognitive condition that can affect children and adults alike. It can make it difficult to focus in general, and it often results in hyperactive or impulsive behavior.

Meanwhile, sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and restarts while they’re asleep, usually because the airway has become obstructed in some manner. Each pause in breathing forces the brain to briefly wake the body up, thus disrupting the sleep cycle. Consequently, individuals with sleep apnea are often unable to get a sufficient amount of quality sleep, causing them to feel excessively tired during the day.

What is the Connection Between ADHD and Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea and ADHD often go hand in hand, to the point where around a third of ADHD patients also have some form of sleep-disordered breathing. More research is needed to fully understand the exact link between these two conditions.

It should be noted that sleep apnea and ADHD have a bidirectional relationship, meaning they can make each other worse. Sleep apnea can exacerbate certain ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Meanwhile, ADHD can hinder your ability to fall and stay asleep, which is a serious problem when sleep apnea is already making it hard for you to get quality slumber.

What Can You Do About ADHD and Sleep Apnea?

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD, you may be able to manage it with certain kinds of medication and therapy. Your physician can point you toward the treatment options that are right for you.

As for sleep apnea, one way to get your symptoms under control is to wear a personalized oral appliance provided by a dentist. This device can reposition your lower jaw while you sleep in order to keep your airways clear, which makes it less likely for your breathing to be interrupted. Note that oral appliances work best on mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea; more severe cases might require other forms of treatment.

Whether they occur together or separately, ADHD and sleep apnea are two conditions that should be dealt with as promptly as possible. The sooner you get the treatment you need, the sooner you can get your symptoms under control and improve the overall quality of your life.

About the Practice

At Wayland Dental, our dentists go out of their way to customize the care they provide to ensure that it’s as friendly, compassionate, and effective as possible. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive menu of services, which includes oral appliances that people with sleep apnea can use to enjoy more restful nights again. If you are looking for a solution for sleep apnea, you can schedule a consultation at our office by visiting our website or calling (508) 651-0500.