In some cases, children diagnosed with ADHD may instead have a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. The symptoms of both disorders include, hyperactivity or restlessness, poor concentration, and distractibility or irritability. Yet, the cause of the symptoms in children with sleep apnea is due primarily from poor sleep quality, or lack of restful sleep due to the sleep apnea. The symptoms are so similar that it is not surprising the two can be confused when diagnosed.

A diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a sleep study, usually done at a local hospital or clinic. This study involves an overnight stay to monitor the quality of one’s sleep. One usually arrives at the facility just before one’s usual bedtime. A sleep technician who has training in setting up the patient for the sleep study uses a liquid adhesive to apply electrodes to the patient’s head. The electrodes or wires leading from the electrodes attach to small portable device the patient wears strapped to his or her body. The electrodes monitor the patient’s level of sleep activity.

There is REM sleep, or Rapid Eye Movement, and non-REM sleep. Achieving REM sleep is imperative for our bodies to stay healthy and strong. REM sleep is where one dreams. People who are awaken from REM sleep he or she may have difficulty focusing and orientating initially. Non-REM sleep is a lighter sleep cycle, and one is able to awaken and focus relatively quickly if disturbed. Each sleep cycle, non-REM, and REM is around 10-15 minutes. These cycles repeat throughout the night.

Anything that prevents one from reaching REM sleep, or consistently disrupts one’s quality of sleep can result in lack of concentration, poor memory, and even mood disturbances. Things that affect our quality of sleep include noise, temperature, restless leg movement, snoring, and apnea. Apnea is the lack of respirations. People with sleep apnea stop breathing while sleeping.

In order to achieve a good night’s rest the body needs a certain number of hours of quality sleep. Infants, toddlers, and children under twelve need more sleep than teenagers and adults. Everyone needs about 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

When sleep apnea is properly treated one usually reports an improvement in concentration and mood, and thusly a lack of ADHD. If you suspect you or your child has sleep apnea, contact your physician to arraign a sleep study. A sleep study is painless and may be a live changing experience.