If anyone teaches an ADHD student and the child is performing poorly and always seems sleepy, suspect sleep apnea. My 16 year old ADHD son has been having major problems in school. He has fallen sound asleep in several classes, was sent to the school nurse, and told that if it continued he would be tested for drugs.
My son was recently diagnosed as having sleep apnea. This has had a major impact on his motivation (because he is always exhausted), his memory, and his ability to think clearly. Many teachers have said that he wasn’t trying hard enough and he could do well if he wanted to put forth the effort. It is very hard to do anything (particularly tasks that require mental concentration) when you are trying not to fall asleep.
My son has had this problem for at least 3 years. I wish one of his teachers could have alerted me to investigate sleep apnea as a possible cause of his poor academic performance. He is scheduled to have his tonsils out in September so this problem will be resolved and he will be more mentally available to learn.
Some symptoms of sleep apnea include poor concentration, excessive sleepiness, behavior problems, difficulty with memory, and organizing information.
Teachers can be on the front lines to alert parents of this problem so that it can be remedied and children can learn to their full potential.
Della
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
If removing the tonsils does not help the sleep apnea, my son will have to use a CPAP. This is a machine that is used during sleep and forces air into the user’s lungs. My son was retested in the sleep lab while using the machine and his scores improved. However, since he is only 16 and does not want to have to use the CPAP for the rest of his life, we are trying the surgical route first to see if it solves the problem. Losing weight can also help because this condition is often associated with people that are overweight.
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
I am a teacher who had sleep apnea. I had the uveloa(spelling?) removed
(little dangling thing in the back of your throat) and it made all the difference in
the world! No more dozing off at 6 in the evening! I couldn’t stand the C-PAP.
It doesn’t help that I’m claustrophobic, I guess, but the thing felt like a tortuous
mask. Good luck to you!
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
Della,
I can see how the weight can easily be an issue here. How about nocturnal enuresis? More specific; Could the problem of nocturnal enuresis be “caused” by sleep apnea?
Not that I am going to run to the clinic and demand this sort of testing but I did read about sleep apnea not too long ago and considered this to be a possible problem but first I will be more active in providing a better sleep atmosphere. For instance make sure that the tv is off at an appropriate time and that the room is as comfortable as possible and go from there.
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
In addition, to having his tonsils removed, my son is also going to have his uvula (the little thing that dangles in the back of the throat) shortened. Thanks for your good wishes.
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
June -
I agree that providing an environment that is inducive to getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important. Individuals (especially students) need to get to bed early so they get enough sleep to be able to function effectively the following day. The reason weight loss is effective for sleep apnea patients is that it helps reduce the excess tissue around the neck and in the throat which contributes to difficulty with breathing. You can go to www.sleepnet.com to get a lot of quality information about sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
My son had his adenoids removed and he was a different child. He no longer snored or exhibited ADD characteristics.
I suggest having a sleep study. You would be suprised what poor sleep effects!
Good Luck!
Re: Poor performing ADHD students and sleep apnea
Teresa -
My son did have a sleep study. That’s how I found out he has sleep apena. He is scheduled to have his tonsils/adenoids removed on 9/3. I hope this cures his school problems. I don’t think his ADHD will disappear because he has had symptoms since he was 3.
I’m glad your son is doing well.
Della
Where does one go for a sleep study?
My son snores. I have always noticed that his ability to concentrate and impulsiveness are worse with lack of sleep. He can be a different child when he is rested.
He also has a problem with not sleeping in even though he is tired. He will wake up very early even though I keep the room dark.
When he was little it was hard to get him to take a nap even when he was tired.
Are these things you have seen?
Della,
Is having the tonsills removed the only option as to “cure” sleep apnea? What if the child has had his/her tonsills removed and still demonstrating signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
June