Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an extremely common mental disorder in America that affects a majority of children but can be found in some adults too. As the number of diagnoses continues to rise for ADHD, many are still experiencing symptoms like feeling tired, being disinterested, and having no motivation.
These symptoms are also commonly found in sufferers of sleep apnea, which is a reason for many misdiagnoses. Although ADHD and sleep apnea have similar symptoms, treatment is completely different. It’s crucial to have a sleep study done if you have ADHD but are still having problems because it may be a sign of sleep apnea instead.
The Common Signs of ADHD & Sleep Apnea
More and more misdiagnoses of sleep apnea have been discovered recently due to the shared symptoms it has with ADHD. Similar indications of these two conditions include:
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Forgetfulness
- Daytime fatigue
- Disinterest
If you’ve been treated for ADHD, yet still experience some of these symptoms, it may mean you’ve been misdiagnosed. Discovering what you have will guide you towards the right treatment that will provide you with the results you need.
The Importance of a Sleep Study
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and compress your airway, making it more difficult to breathe at night. This tells your brain to awaken you so you can breathe properly, but this pattern can greatly affect your quality of sleep.
Low-quality sleep can completely dictate your life and drain you of your daytime energy. In one case, a man who had been getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night and maintained a healthy weight was feeling tired all day long. His doctor had diagnosed him with ADHD, yet after months of taking his medication, he was still experiencing the same symptoms.
He then sought out to see a sleep specialist, who conducted a sleep study, and determined he was actually suffering from sleep apnea. The man also found out he never had adult ADHD at all and was using incorrect treatment, which could have eventually put his health at risk if left untreated.
Finding an Effective Solution
A sleep study is an important factor in discovering your potential sleep disorder. It’s still possible to have both ADHD and sleep apnea, and in this case, sleep apnea can worsen your symptoms of ADHD.
However, if you’ve been misdiagnosed, you will need to find the proper treatment for your sleep apnea before it progresses and damages your health. Some patients will be given a CPAP mask once they’re diagnosed and will need to wear it nightly.
Others may prefer an alternative, such as an oral appliance, that Dr. Aragona can help custom-create for you. Each patient is unique and treatment may vary depending on different factors, so it’s best to discuss your options at your consultation in Clinton Township.
If you have questions about sleep apnea or need help finding a sleep specialist to help identify your potential condition, give us a call at (586) 522-4326 today.
