Do Kids with ADHD Snore More?

PostedSeptember 11, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 12, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, snoring in ADHD kids is more common than in children without ADHD. Research has shown that children with ADHD are at an increased risk for sleep disturbances, including snoring. This is partly due to issues such as restless sleep, difficulty relaxing, and co-occurring conditions like sleep apnea, which is more prevalent in ADHD children. These ADHD sleep issues can lead to disrupted sleep and affect a child’s daytime mood, behaviour, and academic performance.

Why Kids with ADHD Snore More

There are several reasons why pediatric snoring is more common in children with ADHD:

Sleep-disordered breathing

Children with ADHD are more likely to develop conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep, leading to snoring and poor-quality rest.

Restlessness

Hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD can lead to restless sleep, contributing to snoring.

Mouth breathing

ADHD can sometimes be associated with nasal congestion or other issues that encourage mouth breathing, which can worsen snoring.

The Impact of Snoring on ADHD Symptoms

Chronic snoring and poor sleep can increase ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, irritability, and hyperactivity. If sleep disorders like sleep apnea are present, addressing them can improve both sleep quality and ADHD symptom management.

If a child with ADHD snores regularly, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Treatments such as nasal sprays, CPAP therapy, or addressing underlying allergies can help improve sleep quality and reduce ADHD sleep issues. For more on pediatric snoring and managing ADHD sleep issues, reach out to providers like ADHD Certify.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sleep disorders.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.