Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD) in Children: A Potential Link to ADHD Symptoms
The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has steadily increased. Yet, recent studies suggest that many children exhibiting ADHD-like behavior may actually have an undiagnosed Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD), such as sleep apnea. A 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children with SRBD were 40 percent to 100 percent more likely to develop behavioral problems resembling ADHD by age 7.
A lack of sleep affects children differently than adults. While sleepy adults often act sluggish, sleep-deprived kids are more likely to become hyperactive, uncooperative, and unable to focus—behavior that closely mimics symptoms of ADHD.
What is Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (SRBD)?
SRBD is characterized by recurrent episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep. This occurs when soft tissues near the back of the throat—such as the tonsils or tongue—partially block the child’s airway. This blockage can cause the tissues to vibrate, leading to snoring. Sleeping on one’s back often worsens the condition as it encourages the lower jaw and tongue to slip backward, further obstructing the airway.
Overweight children have a higher incidence of sleep apnea due to fatty tissue deposits in the soft palate, which can decrease the size of the child’s airway.
Signs and Symptoms to Observe
If your child is exhibiting ADHD-like symptoms, it’s worth observing their sleep patterns to look for clues to report to your health professional. Watch for the following signs:
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Snoring
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Pauses in breathing
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Chronic mouth breathing
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Constant tossing and turning
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Night panics
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Bed-wetting
Treatment Options for SRBD
Treatment for sleep apnea in children is very effective and depends on the underlying cause:
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Surgical Removal: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be surgically removed to open the airway.
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CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure involves a machine that delivers mild air pressure through a mask worn during sleep to mechanically keep the airway open.
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Dentistry’s Role: Dentists can also play a key role in treatment:
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For younger, growing children, an orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander can gently widen the roof of the mouth (palate). While primarily used for crowded teeth, this expansion can also increase airflow.
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For older children, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance that repositions the jaw during sleep to hold the tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing the potential for obstruction.
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The first step toward proper treatment is figuring out what’s keeping your child from getting the restful sleep that is crucial for their health and well-being. For an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment, you will need to see a trained professional.