Chronic fatigue, inattention, impulsivity, irritability… These symptoms, often associated with ADHD, are sometimes signs of a little-known sleep disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At La Clef du Sommeil , many patients discover, after a sleep study, that their cognitive problems or agitation are not the result of ADHD, but of fragmented sleep.
In Canada: ADHD affects 5-7% of children and 4-6% of adults (CADDAC).
Globally, 2.58% of adults continue to meet the criteria for ADHD (Wikipedia).
Among people consulted for a sleep disorder, 24% have an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 (mild disorder) and 15% have AHI ≥ 10 (moderate) (Wikipedia).
These figures are based on a sample of patients who have already undergone a diagnostic procedure – the prevalence in the general population is undoubtedly higher.
Between 25% and 57% of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD also had sleep apnea or disturbed breathing at night (Wikipedia, Frontiers).
Strikingly, 65% of children with ADHD also suffered from a sleep disorder, compared with just 17% in the control group (Frontiers).
After effective apnea treatment (such as CPAP or a customized solution), many of our adult patients report remarkable changes:
These improvements may lead them to question an initial diagnosis of ADHD, and this is where our role is decisive.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) leads to frequent breathing cessation and oxygen depletion during the night. The brain, deprived of restorative sleep, displays :
These are all symptoms often associated with ADHD – but which diminish significantly with the right treatment.
You’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, but you snore, wake up tired or feel drowsy during the day?
First consult a sleep specialist to rule out or confirm OSA. At La Clef du Sommeil , we offer :
| Population / Trouble | Approximate prevalence |
| Children with ADHD | 5-7% (Canada) |
| Adults with ADHD | 4-6% (Canada), 2.58% global (Wikipedia, Wikipedia, CADDAC) |
| Sleep study patients with AHI ≥ 5 | 24%, AHI ≥ 10: 15% (Wikipedia) |
| ADHD children/adolescents with sleep disorders | 25-57% (Frontiers) |
| ADHD children with sleep disorders vs. controls | 65% vs 17% (Frontiers) |
ADHD and sleep apnea share many symptoms – but their origins and treatments differ.
A sleep assessment can be crucial before considering a new diagnosis or treatment adjustment.
Although we are sleep experts, we do not carry out assessments or diagnose ADHD. For this, please contact specialized professionals such as neuropsychologists or psychiatrists. We are committed to working seriously and transparently on sleep only.
Want to know more? If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, don’t wait any longer:
Schedule a sleep study today.
Call us at 1-877-408-3838 for a complete evaluation and a customized solution.
