The rate of children diagnosed with hyperactivity disorders in the United States only continues to increase, but there is a possibility many of these children simply are unable to get a restful nights sleep, or are suffering from sleep apnea.
Often sleep apnea and disorders such as A.D.H.D. in children have the same general symptoms: trouble focusing, sitting still and difficultly getting along with peers. Children can often be misdiagnosed with a hyperactivity disorder, and then given prescriptions such as Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta, which can cause the child’s sleep difficulties to escalate into insomnia.
While sleep deprivation can be difficult to spot in children, better understanding and monitoring of an individual child’s sleep patterns, and discussing these findings with a pediatrician is the best way to ensure a proper diagnosis.
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