Are you looking for an ADHD therapy solution? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it challenging for kids to focus, control impulsive behaviors, and be still.
Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, excessive activity, and impulsivity. These issues can negatively impact a child’s daily life, including their school performance, behavior, and self-esteem.
Though the exact causes of ADHD are still being studied, researchers believe that genetics and an imbalance in brain chemistry play roles in the development of ADHD.
Environmental factors may also influence ADHD, like brain injury, alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, premature delivery, and low birth weight.
One environmental factor that is gaining more recognition in potentially contributing to or exacerbating ADHD symptoms is sleep and your airway.
ADHD Connection to Sleep Apnea
Emerging research has found a strong connection between ADHD and a variety of sleep problems. Sleep issues can actually mimic and worsen the symptoms of ADHD.
Kids with ADHD are more likely to have conditions like:
- Sleep apnea – when breathing is disrupted during sleep, leading to lower oxygen levels
- Restless leg syndrome – uncomfortable tingling or pain in the legs that leads to difficulty falling asleep
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome – trouble falling asleep at an age-appropriate bedtime
- Excessive daytime sleepiness – feeling very tired during the day
These sleep disorders all decrease the quality and quantity of sleep ADHD kids get. Without enough high-quality sleep, the prefrontal cortex has more difficulty regulating attention, emotions, and impulses. That makes the core symptoms of ADHD even worse.
On top of that, some of the medications used to treat ADHD can also interfere with sleep. Stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin that are often prescribed can cause insomnia. The sedating effects of other medications like clonidine and guanfacine can lead to morning grogginess. This unintended disruption of sleep from ADHD medications creates a problematic cycle.
Take Our Sleep Quiz
If your child is displaying symptoms of ADHD/ADD, it’s important to determine whether an underlying sleep problem could be a factor. Take our simple quiz to find out whether your child may have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea contributing to their ADHD/ADD:
- Does your child snore loudly or pause in breathing while sleeping?
- Does your child wake up frequently during the night or have trouble falling asleep?
- Does your child get sleepy during the day or take frequent naps?
- Does your child wet the bed or walk/talk in their sleep?
- Does your child wake up feeling unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep?
- Does your child have trouble concentrating, sit still, or control impulses?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, your child may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder that requires further evaluation. That’s where our ADHD therapy and airway solution comes in handy.
Seeking the Best ADHD Therapy and Sleep Issues?
The first-line treatments for ADHD are usually stimulant medications and behavior therapy. But if an underlying sleep disorder is contributing to your child’s symptoms, solely using these conventional ADHD therapy interventions may not be fully effective. Integrating sleep disorder testing and treatment with standard ADHD care can improve outcomes.
Here are some of the best ways to manage ADHD and sleep problems:
Behavioral Sleep Interventions
Making positive changes to your child’s sleep environment, routines and habits can really help. Things like setting an earlier, consistent bedtime, limiting screen use before bed, and keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet all promote healthy sleep. Relaxation techniques before bed like reading together or taking a warm bath can also make a big difference.
Correcting Sleep Disordered Breathing
If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea or another condition causing impaired breathing and low oxygen levels during sleep, quickly treating this is critical. The first-line treatment for pediatric sleep apnea is often the removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Other options include CPAP machines that keep the airway open with pressurized air.
Newer craniofacial orthotic devices like Vivos provide another excellent treatment option as well. These oral appliances gently reposition the jaw to open up the airway.
They are comfortable, non-invasive, and can be life-changing for kids with sleep disorders. Expanding the oral cavity also creates more room for the tongue, which further improves airway health.
Natural Remedies
Certain dietary changes, supplements, and herbs may also help support sleep and ADHD symptoms.
Things like limiting sugar intake, increasing magnesium and zinc, and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help balance brain chemistry. Herbal remedies like chamomile, lemon balm, and valerian have calming, sleep-promoting effects. Essential oils like lavender and supplements like melatonin can also improve sleep onset.
Medication Management
Carefully evaluating your child’s stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications with their physician is important.
Adjusting dosing schedules to avoid sleep disruption or trying different medications if side effects occur can make a difference. Always consult with your child’s prescriber before making any medication changes.
Take Action Today!
We know it’s frustrating dealing with childhood ADHD and worrying about how it may impact their future. But there are solutions available to help your child thrive. Identifying and correcting any sleep issues they may have is an important first step. With integrative treatment addressing ADHD and sleep challenges, your child’s symptoms can significantly improve.
At Ecologic Dentistry in Bonney Lake, WA, we specialize in treating sleep disordered breathing with cutting-edge Vivos oral appliances. Our doctor, Carla Yamashiro, is highly trained in craniofacial orthopedics and myofunctional therapy. She provides personalized treatment plans to help each child breathe, sleep, and live better.
We’ll carefully evaluate your child’s airway health, sleep problems, and ADHD symptoms. Then. we’ll customize an effective treatment plan to help them succeed in school and life.
Give your child the brighter future they deserve by taking action today.
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FAQs
Why does my child with ADHD twitch or jerk their limbs while sleeping?
Excessive limb movements during sleep, known as periodic limb movement disorder, is more common in kids with ADHD. It further disrupts their sleep. Iron deficiency is one potential cause.
Could essential oils help my child with ADHD sleep better?
Some calming essential oils like lavender may help induce sleep when used properly. However, research is limited on their efficacy for sleep issues related to ADHD specifically.
Will medication for ADHD negatively affect my child’s sleep?
Stimulant medications used for ADHD like Adderall often impair sleep. Non-stimulant medications can cause daytime drowsiness. Discuss medication effects and scheduling with your child’s doctor.
Can tongue ties or oral restrictions contribute to sleep disordered breathing?
Yes, restrictions inside the mouth narrow the airway space. Surgical release or myofunctional therapy may be warranted alongside sleep apnea treatment.
How quickly might my child’s ADHD symptoms improve with treatment of sleep disordered breathing?
Symptoms of ADHD connection to sleep apnea may start improving within weeks, but maximal effects may take months. Each child responds differently based on severity of sleep issues.
