ADHD, Sleep Problems, and Upper Airway Testing: What’s the Connection?

If you or someone you care about has ADHD, you’re probably familiar with challenges like difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. But did you know that sleep problems are a major—and often overlooked—part of ADHD?

Research suggests that people with ADHD are more likely to have sleep disorders. Sometimes, the underlying cause is an undiagnosed upper airway issue such as sleep apnea. In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Why ADHD and sleep problems often go hand-in-hand
• How upper airway issues (like sleep apnea) can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms
• When to consider sleep testing for better ADHD management

The ADHD-Sleep Link: Why Poor Sleep Makes Symptoms Worse

Sleep is essential for everyone’s brain and body to function well. Many people with ADHD struggle with:

• Falling asleep due to racing thoughts or restlessness
• Staying asleep because of frequent waking
• Feeling sleepy during the day despite spending enough time in bed

Studies show that 50-70% of children with ADHD experience some form of sleep problem. Adults with ADHD also often report insomnia and restless nights. Poor sleep can worsen attention difficulties, irritability, and hyperactivity.

The Connection Between ADHD and Sleep Apnea

Several studies reveal a strong link between ADHD and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing briefly stops during sleep due to airway blockages. Highlights include:

• A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that children with OSA were more likely to show symptoms similar to ADHD.
• Research shows that treating sleep apnea in children with ADHD symptoms can significantly improve attention and behavior.

People with ADHD may be more prone to airway issues because of factors such as muscle tone or nasal congestion. If left untreated, sleep apnea can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

How Does This Relate to ADHD?

• Sleep apnea reduces oxygen supply to the brain, causing daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and hyperactivity—symptoms similar to ADHD.
• Many children with sleep apnea are initially misdiagnosed with ADHD before their sleep issues are identified.

Sleep-disordered breathing may be a factor in up to 30% of children diagnosed with ADHD. Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often leads to noticeable improvements in ADHD symptoms.

Signs You or Your Child Might Need Upper Airway Testing

Because symptoms overlap, how do you know if sleep testing is necessary? Watch for:

• Loud snoring or gasping during sleep
• Frequent waking at night
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Excessive daytime tiredness despite adequate sleep
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) or bedwetting in children

If these signs sound familiar, a sleep study (polysomnography) or an upper airway evaluation by an ENT specialist could be the next step.

What You Can Do

• Talk to your doctor: Discuss any sleep problems along with ADHD symptoms.
• Watch for warning signs: Loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime tiredness, or morning headaches
• Consider a sleep study: Especially if you have risk factors like obesity or nasal congestion
• Maintain good sleep habits: Regular bedtimes, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a calm sleeping environment

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated? Can It Help ADHD?

If testing identifies an airway problem, treatments include:

• CPAP machine: Keeps airways open during sleep; the gold standard for sleep apnea
• Oral appliances: Devices that reposition the jaw to improve airflow
• ENT procedures: Such as tonsillectomy or adenoid removal, especially common in children
• Lifestyle changes: Weight management, allergy treatment, and changing sleep positions

Many people experience improved focus, mood, and energy after treating sleep apnea.

If ADHD medications aren’t working as expected—or if sleep problems persist—consider a sleep evaluation. Fixing underlying airway issues could be the missing piece in managing ADHD symptoms.

Functional Pediatric ENT Care in Schaumburg and Rockford, Illinois

If your child has ADHD and struggles with sleep problems, underlying upper airway issues could be contributing to both. At our clinics in Schaumburg and Rockford, Illinois, our pediatric ENT specialists focus on identifying and treating the root causes of nasal and airway problems that may affect your child’s sleep quality and overall health.

We provide a thorough and compassionate approach that goes beyond just managing symptoms. Through lifestyle changes, medication, and nonsurgical treatments, we aim to improve your child’s breathing during sleep—potentially reducing sleep-disordered breathing that can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a pediatric sinus specialist who understands the connection between upper airway health and ADHD.

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