Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects many individuals, even adults. While it used to be thought of as a childhood disorder, physicians are discovering more and more adults struggle with ADD or ADHD. If you’re an adult with ADD/ADHD, you might struggle to fall asleep, frequently wake during the night, and find it difficult to concentrate on daily activities or work. Some individuals report excessive daytime fatigue due to their irregular sleep patterns. However, untreated sleep apnea coincidentally produces similar problems sleeping and functioning every day. So, could your excessive sleepiness be ADHD or something else? Today on the blog, our sleep apnea dentist in Okemos, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, explores the connection between anxiety and sleep disorders.
You might have ended up on our blog today searching for answers to questions like why am I so tired all of the time? Or why am I always tired? The answer, however, isn’t always straightforward. Before accepting treatment for your fatigue, it’s essential to determine the root cause of your sleep troubles. Could it be anxiety and stress, or is your body struggling to breathe at night, resulting in snoring and frequent awakenings? In some cases, ADHD and sleep apnea go hand in hand. We’ll explore this phenomenon.
ADD and ADHD have made headlines for years, so you’re probably familiar with these behavioral disorders. However, it’s vital to know that even adults struggle with behavioral disorders, not just children. However, sleep apnea isn’t talked about nearly often enough, although it’s becoming dubbed as the new silent killer.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is an airway disorder that affects sleep as it restricts airflow. While asleep, the sufferer may gasp for air or snore loudly. During these apneic events, REM sleep is disrupted as the brain wakes enough to rouse the body to resume breathing. If you snore or have sleep apnea, you may not be aware this happens while you sleep. But its effects show up day after day. If you have sleep apnea, you may experience frequent headaches, moodiness, and daytime fatigue. Sufferers also report weight gain or difficulty losing weight and sexual impotence.
The problem with sleep apnea is that it means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen. As a result, the brain, heart, and other vital organs suffer, and your risks of comorbidities increases. You become more susceptible to developing cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Did you catch that? Your body isn’t getting enough air! If your body wasn’t getting enough water, would you ignore it? What about if your body was starving for food? Would you eat or just let the problem go? The same analogy applies to air – our bodies need it to survive and to have optimal health! Additionally, restful sleep is necessary for the brain to rejuvenate and be capable of performing day-to-day functions.
What sleep apnea and ADD/ADHD have in common
Adults who struggle with ADD or ADHD may also have difficulty falling asleep or wake up a lot throughout the night. This means that the body isn’t getting enough rest. Additionally, side effects of stimulant medication like Adderall and Ritalin, most often prescribed for behavioral disorders, may result in headaches, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, which could exacerbate sleep apnea if you have it.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing
If you are an adult dealing with ADD or ADHD, it’s vital also to ensure you’re getting enough restful sleep. If you’re struggling to stay asleep, snore or gasp for air, and experience other sleep apnea symptoms, consult with Tenaglia Smiles about a natural way of treating sleep apnea. Contact our office by calling (517) 347-6733 to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation in Okemos.