Sleep Assessment
Children and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can struggle to focus in the classroom, at work, and in social situations, but researchers have found another challenge associated with the condition. According to the Sleep Foundation, 25-50% of people with ADHD also experience sleep problems, like insomnia or secondary conditions. Research has found an increased risk of sleep apnea. You don’t have to lose sleep at night. Your sleep apnea doctor in Topeka has the solutions you need to get some rest.
ADHD and Sleep Apnea Connection
Around puberty, people with sleep apnea are known to sleep less, have trouble dozing off, and experience nightmares. The risk of insomnia increases with age because of distractions, hyper-focus, or bouts of energy. Poor sleep quality can cause anxiety to rise around bedtime from stress about not getting a good night’s rest.
ADHD is linked to sleep deprivation, which is also a symptom of sleep apnea. Sleep problems can make it difficult to concentrate, cause memory loss, and affect cognitive abilities. With overlapping symptoms, it can be difficult to know if the issues are caused by lack of sleep, ADHD, or disturbances in breathing. It’s not uncommon for sleep apnea to be misdiagnosed in ADHD patients.
Researchers believe that delayed circadian rhymes cause a later onset of melatonin production from ADHD-related sleep problems. Sleep apnea can affect heart rhythms. Although there’s a connection between ADHD and sleep apnea, further research is needed to find the exact link. In the meantime, healthcare professionals recommend managing both conditions using a personalized treatment plan, like ADHD medications and sleep apnea therapy.
Options to Treat Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the disorder. The soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue relax while sleeping, causing them to block the airway. This can result in frequent breathing disruptions. Not only is your body depleted of oxygen but also interrupts your sleep quality. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health.
You have many options to treat obstructive sleep apnea, like a CPAP. A machine delivers gentle air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth and nose to keep the airway open. While a CPAP is the most traditional treatment, many people are choosing an oral appliance to manage their symptoms.
The custom-fit device holds the tongue and jaw in more comfortable positions to keep the airway open. It’s a comfortable, convenient alternative for patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea.
A Better Night’s Rest is Possible
If you’re ready to get the result you need, don’t Google “Where is a sleep apnea doctor near me?” Instead, ask friends and family for recommendations to find a reputable sleep specialist to help you breathe better.
About Dr. Michael E. Michel
Dr. Michel earned his dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and pursued advanced education in sleep medicine. He offers the latest solutions to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Contact our office today to see if an oral appliance is right for you.