Living with ADHD comes with its own unique set of conditions when it comes to focus, fatigue, mental processing, and getting a good night’s sleep. What you might not know is that the link between ADHD and sleep apnea is higher than you think.
According to Sleep Foundation, at least one third of people who live with ADHD are affected by sleep-related problems, including sleep apnea, which can pronounce ADHD symptoms during waking hours and contribute to lethargy, anxiety, and daytime-sleepiness.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the average sleep study’s diagnostic criteria, most people with ADHD are not tested, because certain symptoms do not appear in a stereotypical way, if at all.
It's hard to deny the strong link between ADHD and poor sleep quality. I have come to this realization firsthand when consulting my own clients, at least 50% of whom say they have ADHD or focus-related issues.
But it’s children with ADHD who suffer the most when it comes to sleep-related issues.
All parents want is to provide the best support for their children, no matter how old, especially when it comes to medicine and mental health.
While prescribed medication plays an important role in many peoples’ lives, apnea-presenting symptoms can be especially troubling when it comes to children who take stimulants to help focus better in the classroom.
Coupled with busy extracurricular schedules that bleed way past a natural bedtime, many children, especially those with ADHD, are unfortunately not getting the required amount or quality of sleep their developing minds and bodies need to grow and live a healthy, balanced, life.
