Adults and children who have problems with distraction, irritation or inattention may suffer from ADHD and sleep apnea. New research suggests that not only are these related but many children diagnosed with ADHD may actually have sleep disorders. Because both cause similar symptoms, they can sometimes lead a physician to misdiagnose a patient.

The results of ADHD and sleep apnea can seriously affect a person’s life, whether during childhood or adulthood. If your life has become interrupted, you should keep an eye out for signs of either disorder. Common symptoms of both sleep apnea and ADHD include:

• Trouble focusing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sleepiness throughout the day
• Memory loss
• Irritability

If you recognize any of these in yourself or your child and suspect they may be signs of a sleep disorder, schedule a sleep study with a qualified specialist or physician. ADHD patients may also have trouble with paying attention for long periods of time, disorganization, excessive talking, impulsiveness or disorganization.

Sleep studies are the best way to diagnose sleep disorders. Without treatment, a sleep disorder can cause lasting negative effects. During most studies, patients will stay the night at a sleep clinic. If you’ve completed a study and been diagnosed, come see our sleep dentists, Dr. Ronald A. Rao and Dr. Mel Pearson, at one of our locations. Call 718-356-9800 for our Staten Island office or +1 732-945-7388 for our Middletown location to receive treatment and plan your sleep apnea oral appliance.