Sleep apnea and ADHD can make themselves known with similar signs – difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, and increased anxiety. Because these conditions have so many overlapping symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to tell which one you suffer from. Continue reading to learn more about these disorders, how they are linked, and what you should do if you think you may have one or both of them.
How Do ADHD and Sleep Apnea Work?
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that can interfere with the function of everyday life. Sufferers experience a variety of symptoms, including overlooking or missing details, having difficulty paying attention during tasks, experiencing difficulty listening when being spoken to, struggling to organize and complete tasks, struggling to manage time, being forgetful, and more.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and restarts continuously while sleeping. This can prevent your body from getting enough oxygen. Common indicators include fatigue, exhaustion, snoring, mood changes, insomnia, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.
How Are Sleep Apnea and ADHD Related?
It is estimated that around 1/3 of patients who have ADHD may also be suffering from sleep apnea. This is likely due to the fact that lack of quality sleep can lead to symptoms that are commonly associated with ADHD, like difficulty focusing and irritability. Because of this, many people who have sleep apnea are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD. For those who have both of these conditions, the sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can actually make ADHD signs worse.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Sleep Apnea and/or ADHD?
The first step to take is to see a medical professional to get a diagnosis. The only way these conditions can be properly addressed is if they have been confirmed by an expert. Then you can discuss treatment options and put together a plan to help ease your symptoms. For instance, sleep apnea can be managed with lifestyle changes, oral appliances, CPAP, or a combination of approaches. For ADHD, medication, therapy, or a combination of the two can help to manage both of these disorders.
Both ADHD and sleep apnea can negatively influence your daily life, but you don’t need to struggle with them on your own. By seeking help from a professional, you can work to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Denton, we have a team of multiple board-certified sleep specialists who are highly credentialed and have many years of experience. Our team can tackle even the most challenging sleep cases. If you think that you may have sleep apnea, we’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (469) 772-6721.