The Surprising Connection Between Sleep and ADHD Symptoms
It is diagnosed that your child suffers from ADHD. You tried medications, behavioral therapy and tried anything your doctor suggested but still the symptoms are there. Or maybe you're an adult who has long been diagnosed with attention and/or impulsivity that is not being adequately addressed, and you wonder if something more is being missed.What if it's not a neurological defect, but something much simpler – poor sleep quality?
Dr. Rinku Jain, the founder of BioM Dental, a leading holistic dental clinic in Khar, Mumbai, has found something that conventional medicine fails to recognize: The strong link between sleep, breathing and symptoms of ADHD. Over the years, Dr.Rinku Jain has seen many patients who had ADHD-like symptoms that were significantly improved as soon as they took care of their sleep disorders.
The Hidden Truth About ADHD and Sleep
The first thing that comes to mind when you consider ADHD is probably a problem with the brain that needs meds. However, there is something that many healthcare providers do not tell you: sleep deprivation results in symptoms almost indistinguishable from ADHD.
The brain's dopamine levels are affected by poor sleep, which is the same neurotransmitter that is linked to ADHD. Your prefrontal cortex (where you have attention, impulse control, and executive function) is not as optimal when you are sleep deprived. The result? Lack of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and restlessness – which are characteristic of ADHD.
Researchers estimate that as many as 70% of children with ADHD have sleep problems. However, most assessments of ADHD fail to address the issue of sleep quality. This is where holistic dentistry comes into play.
Why Your Dentist Might Be Your ADHD Solution
Dr. Rinku Jain is a dental practitioner at BioM Dental who is in practice of a revolutionary approach, “Holistic Dentistry” which treats a person not just symptoms. A holistic dentist, like Dr. Rinku Jain, takes a broader approach to treating you than traditional dentists do, as he considers the connection between oral health, airway function, and sleep quality with your wellbeing in general.
In fact, many symptoms of ADHD can be traced back to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a disorder in which the airway narrows or collapses during sleep, disrupting sleep and blocking the sleep stages that are the most beneficial for optimal health. This could be due to:
- Improper tongue posture
- Small mouth or airway
- Jaw misalignment
- Mouth breathing habits
These are things that a holistic dentist can see and resolve that may not require a prescription.
Myofunctional Therapy India: The Game Changer
Myofunctional therapy is one of the most effective solutions that Dr.Rinku Jain suggests at BioM Dental. This special therapy includes focused exercises to strengthen and realign the tongue, lips and facial muscles to help maximize airway function while sleeping.
Strengthening of the airway muscles through myofunctional therapy leads to better:
- Quality and length of sleep.
- The amount of oxygen consumed while sleeping.
- Brain functions and mental awareness
- Concentrate and pay attention
- Regulate emotions and impulses
BioM Dental's myofunctional therapy programs in India are tailored to the patient's specific requirements, and thus are far more effective than a generic program. Dr. Jain uses the principles of functional dentistry and myofunctional therapy in a holistic fashion to bring about lasting change.
The BioM Dental Difference
The unique approach of Dr. Rinku Jain sets BioM Dental apart. She looks at teeth in relation to:
- The physiology and morphology of your airways.
- Your history of sleeping and symptoms
- Your breathing patterns (nasal vs. mouth breathing)
- Posture and orofacial development will be assessed.
- Your general health and wellbeing objectives.
This thorough evaluation uncovers if your "ADHD" could be either sleep apnea or airway dysfunction which can be properly addressed by functional dentistry.
Your Next Step
When parents and children experience some symptoms of ADHD despite medication, it's time to investigate the sleep connection. Make an appointment with Dr. Rinku Jain at BioM Dental for a thorough airway and myofunctional evaluation.
Your solution to this problem may be within reach than you realize: in the office of a holistic dentist who recognizes that wellness is related to the whole person!
Your path to a better sleep, better focus and a better well-being begins at BioM Dental Mumbai.