Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, focus properly, or even sit still. It most commonly begins to develop early in children, but it can easily continue into adulthood. However, ADHD is often misdiagnosed and can actually be a sign of sleep apnea.
Similar Symptoms to Look For
Sleep apnea is a disorder that can leave your feeling exhausted, irritable, apathetic, and forgetful. These are all very closely related symptoms of ADHD, which is why many people are still unaware of their sleep disorder.
Other symptoms of ADHD include:
- Lack of focus
- Impulsivity
- Disorganized
- Easily distracted
- Frequent talking
- Fidgeting
Living with untreated sleep apnea can lead to further health complications in the future, so it’s best to detect the different signs of each condition so you can receive proper treatment. If some of your symptoms of ADHD sound similar to those of sleep apnea, going to a qualified doctor for an official sleep study can help identify your possible disorder.
Misdiagnoses Can Happen
Due to some overlapping symptoms, sleep apnea has commonly been misdiagnosed as ADHD. Sleep apnea episodes occur at night when a person is sleeping and the muscles in the back of their throat relax, blocking their breathing airway. This stops many sufferers from attaining a good night’s sleep and completely drains them of their daytime energy.
In one study, a man had complained about his drowsiness and lack of focus during the day, even after a full eight hours of rest. He was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication to help. However, even five months later, he still felt overly tired.
When he returned to his doctor, they referred him to a sleep physician who then discovered his sleep apnea and it was confirmed he did not have ADHD at all. After receiving treatment for his sleep disorder, he was able to regain his energy and sleep soundly through the night.
Are You Receiving the Right Treatment?
If you’ve been previously diagnosed with ADHD, but still feel like you’re not always lively during the day or don’t have the best memory and focus, then it may be a sign of sleep apnea. The best way to know for certain is by scheduling a sleep study with a certified sleep specialist so you can discover an effective treatment.
Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can find a variety of treatments that relieve your symptoms. Here at Ralhan Dentistry, we offer different types of oral appliances to provide sufferers with a smaller, more comfortable solution than a traditional CPAP mask.
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Ralhan if you’ve been searching for an alternative for CPAP or give us a call if you need a recommendation for a sleep doctor in Oakville or Burlington, Ontario.
