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Sleep Disorders Linked To Other Medical Problems

Neuromuscular, Psychiatric and More

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Updated: November 1, 2004

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According to a study conducted by researchers from the Marlborough Center for Sleep Disorders in Massachusetts, half the people with sleep apnea also have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder.) Further results indicate there is also a high percentage of people with insomnia who suffer from ADD.

Other problems associated with sleep disorders were severe memory impairment, depression, dyslexia and illiteracy. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and insomnia, cause sleep deprivation, and many of the problems mentioned above are symptoms of sleep deprivation.

In children, other problems, including enlarged tonsils, can lead to both sleep apnea and ADD. Eileen Bailey, About Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder] says: "Besides insomnia, or trouble falling asleep, many people with ADHD complain they cannot stay asleep for long periods of time. They may toss and turn throughout the night, waking up periodically and then not being able to fall back to sleep."

Paul A. Kvale, M.D. and President of the American College of Chest Physicians warns that people with sleep disorders who are not assessed for other problems and conditions may continue to suffer from significant health problems.

"Patients should inform their health care provider of any related conditions that could be contributing to their sleep difficulties," Doctor Kvale advises.

Lead author of the study, Clifford Risk, M.d., Ph.D concludes that the sleep specialist is not finished when he diagnoses and treats obstructive sleep apnea. He should also search for any related conditions that might be causing sleep difficulties.

Sleep apnea, insomnia, and, in fact, any condition that causes a person to lose sleep, should be treated as soon possible, whether it's in an adult or a child. When talking to a health care specialist, be sure to let him know of any other conditions that might be connecte to or have an influence on your sleep disorder or causing sleep deprivation.

So many of these disorders are connected to something else. Insomnia, for instance, is seldom a disorder but often a symptom of some underlying disorder.

If a child who has been doing well in school suddenly develops problems, have him or her checked for enlarged tonsils, sleep apnea and attention deficit disorder. This also relates to adults who are dealing with unexplained health problems.

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