Is Sleep Apnea Sometimes Confused with ADHD? 

Yes, sleep apnea and ADHD misdiagnosis can occur, especially when a child or adult experiences symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can significantly affect a person’s quality of rest, leading to attention problems that resemble ADHD. However, while both conditions can involve difficulty focusing and irritability, the causes are very different. 

When someone suffers from sleep apnea, the frequent interruptions in their sleep cycle can result in daytime fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive issues like poor concentration and memory. These symptoms often overlap with those of ADHD, where individuals also struggle with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder, not a neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD. 

Why Sleep Apnea Is Sometimes Misdiagnosed as ADHD 

Fatigue and Inattention  

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness, which can make it difficult for a person to concentrate during the day. This lack of focus can be mistaken for ADHD, where inattention is a key feature. The difference lies in the root cause, while ADHD involves persistent attention difficulties, sleep apnea-related inattention is due to poor sleep quality. 

Irritability and Hyperactivity  

Sleep apnea can also cause irritability and mood swings due to lack of restorative sleep. These emotional symptoms can be mistaken for impulsivity or hyperactivity, often seen in ADHD. However, in sleep apnea, these behaviours are typically the result of constant sleep disruptions rather than a chronic issue with attention or impulse control. 

To differentiate between ADHD and sleep apnea, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential. If you suspect sleep apnea may be contributing to attention issues, it is important to address the underlying sleep disorder first. For more insights into ADHD and sleep disorders, visit providers like ADHD certify.

For a deeper dive into ADHD diagnosis and treatment, read our complete guide to Mislabelling Behavioral Issues as ADHD.