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ADD or Sleep Deprivation — Could Sleep Apnea Machines Be The Next Ritalin?

May 26, 2009 on 3:59 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

While experts may have a difficulty telling whether ADD is the direct result of a sleep disorder, the connection between the two is undeniable. Instead of opting for ADD medications, many patients and parents are trying sleep apnea machines, also called C PAP machines, to determine if their ‘ADD’ is really sleep apnea in disguise.

The Common Misdiagnosis

ADD, or Attention deficit disorder, is when someone suffers from mood swings, an inability to concentrate for long periods, behavioral issues, and difficulty completing tasks to an acceptable standard. These are also some of the same symptoms experienced with sleeping disorders, making the two difficult to separate. In fact, researchers believe a high percentage of children currently diagnosed with attention conditions might not need anything other than sleep apnea machines to treat their problems.

In a recent study, 50 patients considered to have ADD participated in a sleep study test called a polysomnogram. As a result of the sleep study, 66% (33 people) were found to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. These 33 people were given sleep apnea machines and asked to wear them during the night. By the end of the test, only 15 people out of the original 50 were considered to suffer from ADD or some other condition.

Determining The Difference Between Sleep Disorders And ADD

Sleep studies are one of the best ways to determine if you suffer from a sleeping disorder rather than ADD. During this test, you check into the facility where you will have equipment such as a polysomnogram attached. This machine keeps track of a number of different functions including sleep patterns, oxygen levels, brain activity, muscle tone, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing. During the test, a trained expert observes your sleep pattern and record anything of note during the study.

The Consequences Of Leaving Sleep Disorders Untreated

Many see the possibility of having a sleeping problem as minor in comparison to other conditions they may deal with. However, if you do suffer from a sleep disorder, the consequences of not getting the proper C PAP treatment can dramatically affect your life — and may be irreparable.

Studies have shown that suffering from sleep deprivation for long periods of time can be directly correlated with a loss in IQ and be the cause of difficulties with social interaction. Physical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other ailments are also common symptoms that only continue to worsen without the treatment of sleep apnea machines.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from ADD or similar mental condition, a sleep study and one of the many sleep apnea machines available may be the solution you’ve been searching for.