Lack of Sleep Can Be Misdiagnosed as ADHD According to Dr. Lewis Kass; Sleep Awareness Week March 27 - April 2 Good Time to Improve Kids' Sleep Habits.MT. KISCO, N.Y. -- "Children who don't get enough sleep may not only suffer in school, they may be misdiagnosed with various disorders including ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or . Helping them get the sleep they need may eliminate unnecessary medicines and doctor visits," states Dr. Lewis J. Kass, founder of the Westchester Pediatric Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Center in Mt. Kisco, NY. He adds, "Classic ADHD symptoms such as lack of focus, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, irritability and short attention span, may actually be signs of sleep deprivation. Symptoms may also include falling asleep in school, poor performance in physical education and after school activities." According to Dr. Kass, reasons for lack of sleep in children can include problems such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) A potentially life-threatening condition characterized by episodes of breathing cessation during sleep alternating with snoring or disordered breathing. , Restless Legs Syndrome Restless Legs Syndrome Definition Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the limbs, usually the legs, that occur at rest or before sleep and are relieved by activity such as walking. , Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome Delayed sleep-phase syndrome (DSPS), also known as delayed sleep-phase disorder or as circadian rhythm sleep disorder delayed sleep-phase type (DSPT), is a chronic disorder of sleep timing. and narcolepsy narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and recurring unwanted episodes of sleep ("sleep attacks"). People with narcolepsy may abruptly fall asleep at almost any time, including while talking, eating, or even walking. . The diagnosis and treatment of these issues could eliminate the symptoms completely and help children improve their performance in school. Dr. Kass suggests parents try the following: 1) Set a specific bedtime and stick with it; six to twelve year-olds need 10-11 hours of sleep and adolescents should get 9 hours. Suggest an earlier bedtime and encourage 15 minutes of reading before lights out. 2) Bathe young children before bed; a warm bath can often help them feel sleepy. 3) Suggest and support a more structured after-school schedule for teenagers who stay up late finishing homework; prohibit computer and telephone use until after homework is completed. 4) Avoid giving your child caffeinated beverages. 5) Limit physical activity right before bedtime as this often makes falling asleep more difficult. 6) Keep your child's room dark and at a moderate temperature at night; if the room is too hot or cold the child may have a restless night's sleep. 7) Steer clear of big meals or big snacks right before sleep. If you believe your child has been misdiagnosed with ADHD or may be suffering from sleep apnea, snoring or other sleep inhibiting problems, you may want to consider making an appointment with a pediatric pediatric /pe·di·at·ric/ (pe?de-at´rik) pertaining to the health of children. pe·di·at·ric adj. Of or relating to pediatrics. sleep specialist for a complete and accurate diagnosis. Dr. Kass is a Yale-trained, board certified pediatric pulmonologist pul·mo·nol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders. specializing in pediatric respiratory medicine and sleep disorders. |
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