Patients who suffer from ADHD often feel tired and unfocused throughout the day — but did you know these are also symptoms of sleep apnea? Since they share several symptoms, sleep apnea is frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD.
It’s not always easy to isolate which condition is affecting you, but the best way is to take a sleep test. By reviewing the results with a qualified sleep doctor, you can make sure you get an accurate diagnosis for your symptoms.
Symptoms Shared Between Sleep Apnea & ADHD
There are several symptoms that have been linked to both sleep apnea and ADHD, including:
- Short attention span/lack of focus
- Crankiness/irritability
- Disorganization
- Memory problems
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from one or both conditions. Due to the overlapping symptoms, it’s relatively common to get an incorrect diagnosis. That’s why we recommend taking a sleep study if you notice any of these symptoms occurring on a regular basis.
The Benefits of a Sleep Study
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleeping disorder that causes your throat muscles to relax and obstructs your airway, interrupting your breathing while you sleep. This causes you to wake up constantly throughout the night, often without even realizing it, and leaves you feeling tired during the day.
Since a lot of the symptoms are similar, sleep apnea can be misdiagnosed as ADHD. If you’re given medication for ADHD and your symptoms don’t improve, this may be an indication that you’ve been misdiagnosed.
CPAP Alternatives With Main Line Snoring Solutions
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, the first treatment recommended is often a CPAP mask, Worn over your face, this mask is connected to a machine that pumps air into your lungs while you sleep, allowing you to breathe freely.
Though CPAP is effective when used properly, many patients find it too invasive to sleep with. The mask is bulky and uncomfortable, forcing you to sleep on your back. The machine also makes a loud noise that can be disruptive. As a result, long-term compliance rates for CPAP treatment are very low.
As a more comfortable and less invasive alternative, we offer a range of customized oral appliances. These convenient devices are silent, portable, and allow you to sleep in any position you want. Best of all, they’ll effectively eliminate your snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms.
Visit Main Line Snoring Solutions Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and suspect that you may actually be suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to visit our practice. We’ll will help you get a sleep test to determine if sleep apnea is the cause of your symptoms. After you’ve received a diagnosis from a qualified sleep doctor, he’ll customize an oral appliance just for you.
Call our office in Bryn Mawr, PA at (610) 527-6704 and schedule a free consultation with our expert doctors today. It’s your first step to a better night’s sleep.