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Dr. Regina M. Dailey

Sleep Apnea and ADHD

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When Sleep Apnea is Misdiagnosed as ADHD

Sleep apnea and ADHD are two very different disorders. However, they happen to share a lot of symptoms in common, sometimes making a proper diagnosis tricky. For that reason, obstructive sleep apnea is often misdiagnosed as ADHD. 

It isn’t always easy to determine which of these conditions is affecting you or your loved one. By participating in a sleep study with Dr. Regina M. Dailey and going over your results with our team, you can help ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once you have an official diagnosis, we can help you find the right treatment plan for you. 

Commonly Shared Symptoms between Sleep Apnea and ADHD 

Believe it or not, sleep apnea and ADHD can have similar effects on the lives of patients. Some of their shared symptoms include:

  • Shortened attention span
  • Trouble focusing on normal tasks
  • Disorganization
  • Crankiness / irritability
  • Memory problems 
  • Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep 

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from one or both of these conditions. Due to the multiple overlapping symptoms of sleep apnea and ADHD, it’s surprisingly easy to get an incorrect diagnosis. Taking part in a sleep study can help ensure your condition is identified with certainty. 

Does Sleep Apnea Cause ADHD? 

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to a number of health problems, some of them very serious. When we don’t sleep properly, it has an effect on nearly all aspects of our health. While sleep apnea is not a direct cause of ADHD, it can certainly contribute to the development of ADHD-like symptoms. If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, sleep apnea can exacerbate symptoms like learning difficulties and poor focus. 

The Benefits of a Sleep Study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes your throat muscles to relax, blocking your airway and interfering with your ability to breathe during sleep. This process wakes you constantly throughout the night, often without your knowledge, and leaves you with minimal energy or motivation during the day.

A sleep study is a non-invasive overnight exam that allows doctors to monitor your sleep and see what’s happening in your brain and body. While you sleep, an EEG will monitor your sleep stages and REM cycles, identifying possible disruptions in the patterns of your sleep. 

Participating in a sleep study will help Dr. Dailey give you an accurate diagnosis. If your sleep apnea has been misdiagnosed as ADHD or any other condition, this will help our team get you the effective, targeted treatment you need. 

After Your Sleep Study

If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, we offer several effective treatment solutions for you to choose from. One of these options is a CPAP device, which pumps a steady flow of oxygen to keep your airway open and allow you to breathe freely.

Though CPAP treatment is effective for some patients, others find the machine uncomfortable and inconvenient to use. For these patients, Dr. Dailey is happy to offer a mandibular advancement device (MAD).

An MAD treats sleep apnea by gently shifting your jaw forward to keep your airway open, while also preventing your tongue from collapsing and blocking the airway. We feature a variety of oral appliances at our practice, all of which are customized to meet your needs. Unlike CPAP, these devices are comfortable, minimally invasive, and easily portable.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea with Dr. Regina M. Dailey 

Dr. Regina M. Dailey has been in the field of sleep apnea dentistry for over three decades. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep and you think it may be causing other symptoms, give our office a call at 734-996-0055. We’ll make sure you receive an accurate diagnosis and get on the appropriate treatment path.