Dr. Katz—Our Sleep Specialist—Can Help
Sleep apnea is a disorder that if left untreated can carry substantial consequences, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also make you disorganized, lacking focus, and gain weight.
If you’ve noticed these signs in yourself or a loved one, please contact our office to speak with Dr. Katz. He’ll make sure that you get the right diagnosis, treatment, and a fulfilling night’s rest.
Misdiagnosing Sleep Apnea & ADHD
It’s estimated that 36 million Americans — both adults and children — have ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Of those people, between one half and three fourths also endure some sleep disorder. Unfortunately, ADHD is often misdiagnosed. We can help you receive the proper diagnosis by completing a sleep study.
Similar Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of ADHD include:
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Disorganization
- Impulsivity
- Trouble focusing
- Temperament issues
Sadly, the symptoms of sleep apnea are uncomfortably similar, including restlessness, mood swings, irritability, and behavioral issues. This is why it’s not uncommon that some doctors initially misdiagnose the disorders.
For patients who are experiencing some of the symptoms of ADHD but not all of them, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Katz. He can help you complete a sleep study, point you toward a proper diagnosis, and provide treatment to help you live better.
Be Sure—Get a Sleep Study
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the throat close while you sleep, causing blockage in the airway and breathing to stop. When this happens, your body will wake up, and you’ll waste precious energy and sleep.
One study conducted in 2013 followed a young, healthy man who believed to suffer from ADHD. After seeing a doctor, he was diagnosed with the disorder and given medication. 6-months passed, and he still hadn’t seen alleviation of his symptoms, so he returned to the doctor. Upon recommendation, he visited a sleep specialist who conducted a sleep study. They found that he never had ADHD and was suffering from sleep apnea the entire time.
Seek Effective Treatment
If we find that an obstruction is the cause of your sleep apnea, you might benefit from one of our life-changing treatments—CPAP or an oral appliance. These treatments aim to restore airflow to your lungs and keep the airway open while you sleep. The severity of your condition is how we’ll determine which treatment is best.
Some of our patients suffer from Sleep Apnea and ADHD. For them, the two conditions feed off of each other, increasing the severity of your symptoms and making them harder to control.
If you’re interested in sleep apnea, ADHD, sleep studies, or anything else we mentioned above, feel free to contact our Greensboro, NC practice. A member of our friendly staff will help you schedule a consultation with our sleep specialist, Dr. Katz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure that my ADHD symptoms aren’t caused by sleep apnea?
ADHD can be tricky to diagnose. Since ADHD shares many symptoms with sleep apnea, it can be unclear if apnea is causing or worsening signs of the condition without a sleep study. Your sleep apnea specialist will use your results to confirm whether you are suffering from sleep apnea.
If we confirm you’re experiencing the sleep disorder, you can start to treat the condition with a CPAP machine or dental appliance. These will allow you to breathe with security through the night and improve the quality of your sleep.
From here, you’ll be able to assess changes in your ADHD symptoms. Treating your sleep apnea may improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve your mood and temperament. Depending on the impact sleep apnea has on your mental wellbeing, ADHD symptoms may become more manageable or resolve entirely.
Is my ADHD treatment contributing to my sleep apnea or other sleep disorders?
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medications that can negatively affect your ability to get quality sleep. Some patients report trouble getting to sleep in the evenings or difficulty staying asleep through the night. When these results are compounded by sleep apnea, your quality of sleep could suffer further.
Talk to your doctor if you feel like your medication regimen is conflicting with your sleep schedule. They may recommend a change in medication or dosage to better suit your needs. Sometimes, a simple change in the time of day that you take your medication can have significant benefits for sleep regularity.