Common Sleep Disorders Linked To ADHD

Are there links between common sleep disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? New studies suggest there may be.

A study of 866 children between the ages of 2 through 13 found that youngsters who frequently snore or have sleep disorders are almost twice as likely to suffer from ADHD than those who sleep well.

"Inattention and hyperactivity among general pediatric patients are associated with increased daytime sleepiness and – especially in young boys – snoring and other symptoms of SDB (Sleep Disordered Breathing)," wrote Dr. Ronald Chervin, a University of Michigan neurologist and sleep researcher. "If sleepiness and SDB do influence daytime behavior, the current results suggest a major public health impact." 

The study was published in the March 3, 2002 issue of Pediatrics.

Dr. Chervin is also the lead author for a study investigating connections between ADHD and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements (PLMS) in children. A survey of parents of children between two and 14 years of age showed that "Inattention and hyperactivity among general pediatric patients are associated with symptoms of PLMS and RLS. If either condition contributes to hyperactivity, the magnitude of association suggests an important public health problem."

The study was published in the March 15, 2002 issue of SLEEP.