ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adults. While most people think of ADHD as a brain-based issue, research shows that underlying sleep problems and breathing dysfunctions—especially those linked to oromyofunctional disorders (OMDs)—may play a much bigger role than previously thought.
At BreatheWorks, we help families and individuals uncover how airway health, sleep quality, and oral function affect focus, mood, and energy—and provide holistic solutions that go beyond medication.
The Overlap: ADHD, Sleep, and Breathing
1. Sleep and Focus Are Deeply Connected
- Children and adults with sleep-disordered breathing (including snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep apnea) are much more likely to show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—classic ADHD symptoms.
- Poor-quality sleep disrupts the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, manage impulses, and maintain concentration.
Key data:
- Up to 40% of children diagnosed with ADHD have underlying sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (Saaresranta & Polo, 2002).
- Treating sleep and airway problems can improve attention and behavior—sometimes even eliminating the need for ADHD medication in certain cases (Gozal, 2015).
2. OMDs—A Hidden Link
Oromyofunctional disorders (OMDs) include mouth breathing, tongue thrust, low tongue posture, and inefficient swallowing.
- OMDs can contribute to chronic mouth breathing and airway narrowing, which raise the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.
- Children with OMDs often have poor-quality sleep, daytime fatigue, and mood swings—all symptoms that overlap with ADHD.
Research highlight:
- A 2018 study found that children with mouth breathing were three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD-like symptoms than nasal breathers, even when controlling for other factors (Youssef et al., 2018).
Why Breathing and Airway Matter for ADHD Symptoms
1. Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing
- Nasal breathing filters and humidifies air, increases oxygen delivery, and supports optimal brain function.
- Mouth breathing reduces oxygen uptake, dries out the mouth, and disrupts sleep—often leading to daytime brain fog, hyperactivity, and irritability.
2. Poor Sleep = Poor Focus
- Children and adults who don’t get enough quality sleep are more likely to have trouble paying attention, remembering instructions, and controlling impulses.
- This is why some kids diagnosed with ADHD actually have a primary sleep or breathing disorder driving their symptoms.
3. Airway Health and Brain Development
- Airway obstruction from OMDs, enlarged tonsils, or chronic congestion restricts oxygen to the brain—especially during critical growth periods.
- Long-term, this can impact academic performance, mood, and even growth.
Signs Your Child (or You) May Have an Airway Issue Contributing to ADHD Symptoms
- Chronic snoring, noisy breathing, or restless sleep
- Mouth breathing (especially at night or when relaxed)
- Difficulty waking up or needing naps
- Daytime sleepiness, crankiness, or hyperactivity
- Trouble focusing or remembering
- Frequent headaches or bedwetting
- “Long face,” dental crowding, or speech delays
Real-World Example
Emily, age 7, was struggling in school with focus, mood swings, and frequent teacher notes about “not paying attention.” She also snored at night and breathed through her mouth. After a BreatheWorks assessment, Emily’s family learned she had a tongue thrust and enlarged adenoids. With myofunctional therapy and medical support, her sleep improved, and her “ADHD” symptoms faded—no medication needed.
How BreatheWorks Can Help
At BreatheWorks, we specialize in getting to the root of focus and behavior issues:
- Comprehensive airway and myofunctional evaluation
- Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue posture, swallowing, and breathing habits
- Collaboration with pediatricians, sleep specialists, and dental teams
- Education for families about the role of airway health in behavior, mood, and learning
Takeaway: Whole-Patient Solutions for Attention & Energy
Not every child or adult with ADHD-like symptoms needs medication. Sometimes, treating sleep and airway problems—including oromyofunctional disorders—can make a life-changing difference.
If you or your child is struggling with focus, hyperactivity, or daytime sleepiness, a whole-patient evaluation may be the missing piece.
