Airway problems are frequently disguised as ADD, ADHD and/or fatigue. Dr. Stephen Sheldon is retired head of the Pediatric Sleep Department at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. He boldly stated that he doesn’t believe there is such a thing as ADD and ADHD. He believes it is always a sleep/breathing disorder. There are others in the medical/sleep arena who share this view. With up to 15% of children today being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD this is a public health problem to confront.
Children who stop breathing for longer than 10 seconds and have a certain level of oxygen desaturation of their blood are diagnosed with OSA. Poor sleep in an adult produces daytime sleepiness and fatigue often resulting in poor work performance. In children there is paradoxical behavior with the child being fidgety, compulsive, and hyperactive. Parents and teachers are rightfully frustrated when the child has an attention span measured in a few seconds and, therefore, tends to do poorly in school.
I believe Dr. Stephen Sheldon would agree that all ADHD patients are suffering from sleep disordered breathing. ADHD and sleep problems appear to be intimately related.
ADD and ADHD obviously require a medical diagnosis. Far too frequently, however, the only treatment offered is a drug prescription. Looking at the root cause and correcting the poor facial growth and poor rest oral posture that produce that growth should be considered. Collaborative care of an airway focused dentist doing ortho, an airway focused orthodontist who truly understands the problem, a myofunctional therapist, ENT specialist, and/or pediatric sleep specialist can help children with ADD/ADHD and sleep issues.
