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ADHD-like Symptoms and Sleep Disorders: Is Your Child Affected?

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What Is an Open Bite and How Does It Affect Your Child?

Defining Open Bites

An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth do not touch or overlap when the mouth is closed, leaving a visible gap. This can occur in the front of the mouth, known as an anterior open bite, or in the back, referred to as a posterior open bite. Anterior open bites are more common and are often characterised by a vertical gap between the upper and lower front teeth. This condition can arise due to several factors, including prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or skeletal growth patterns. In more severe cases, an open bite can extend to the molars or other teeth, leading to broader dental and facial complications.
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How Sleep Disorders Can Mimic ADHD Symptoms

Common Signs of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders, such as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia, or restless leg syndrome, can manifest with symptoms that closely resemble those of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Common signs include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, frequent waking during the night, snoring, mouth breathing, or gasping for air while sleeping. During the day, children may exhibit hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsive behaviour, or mood swings. Recognising these symptoms early is crucial, as addressing the underlying sleep disorder can significantly improve behaviour, focus, and overall well-being.

Why Sleep Matters for Behaviour

Sleep plays a vital role in a child’s cognitive development, emotional regulation, and overall health. Poor sleep quality or inadequate sleep can impair a child’s ability to concentrate, remember, and learn effectively. It can also affect mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, or depression. Disrupted sleep patterns can result in hyperactive behaviour, similar to ADHD symptoms, and impact a child’s social interactions and performance at school. Understanding the importance of good sleep hygiene and addressing any sleep-related issues early can help ensure that your child develops healthy habits and behaviours.

Anna is highly knowledgeable and identifies the source of any pain quickly. She then works with you to resolve any issues and doesn’t rely on session after session but instead… read more

Peter Hines Avatar Peter Hines

I found the experience reassuring .Ana was very supportive and professional.I feel the care received was excellent

Deborah Sawin Avatar Deborah Sawin

Anna and Francesca are amazing osteopaths. Have really helped me with my neck issues!

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The Connection Between Mouth Breathing and Behavioural Issues

Understanding the Link

Mouth breathing is often linked to sleep-disordered breathing and can have a significant impact on a child’s behaviour. When a child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose, they are less likely to get the restful sleep they need for proper brain function and development. This can lead to oxygen deprivation during sleep, affecting brain function and triggering symptoms similar to ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and behavioural challenges. Understanding the connection between mouth breathing and behavioural issues can help in finding effective solutions for your child’s health concerns.

Symptoms to Watch For

Parents should be aware of symptoms that may indicate a link between mouth breathing and behavioural issues. These include snoring, frequent waking during the night, restlessness or sweating during sleep, dry mouth in the morning, chronic nasal congestion, dark circles under the eyes, and behavioural problems like inattentiveness, irritability, or mood swings. If your child exhibits any of these signs, it may be worth considering an evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing or mouth breathing habits.

I have seen Anna regularly for a few years and every time I leave the practice I feel relaxed, straighter and pain free. Typically carrying stress in my back,… read more

Rhoda Breakell Avatar Rhoda Breakell

Anna and Francesca are amazing osteopaths. Have really helped me with my neck issues!

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Anna recently treated me for tennis elbow and back pain. I couldn’t be happier – both symptoms improved rapidly. On top of this, Anna gave me some helpful advice to… read more

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Diagnosing and Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing

The Role of Proper Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is essential for addressing sleep-disordered breathing and differentiating it from ADHD. At Key Osteopaths, we use a comprehensive approach to evaluate your child’s symptoms, which may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, referral to a sleep specialist for further testing, such as polysomnography or home sleep studies. Accurate diagnosis helps ensure that your child receives the right treatment to address the root cause of their symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.

Treatment Options Available

Treatment for sleep-disordered breathing may involve a range of options depending on the underlying cause. For example, if mouth breathing is due to nasal obstructions like enlarged tonsils or adenoids, surgical intervention may be recommended. For mild to moderate cases, myofunctional therapy can be highly effective in retraining the muscles to promote nasal breathing and proper oral posture. Breathing exercises, nasal decongestants, or other lifestyle changes may also be recommended to improve airway function and promote better sleep.

Myself, my husband, my son and my daughter have all seen Anna over the past few years for either neck, back, knee, shoulder or elbow problems. She has always managed… read more

Kerry Bartter Avatar Kerry Bartter

Anna takes a holistic and long term approach with my treatment. She often adapts treatment and exercises and is reassuringly confident yet gentle! I have had lots of practitioners over… read more

Lee Harvey Avatar Lee Harvey

Super helpfull, friendly and informative. Cant recommend highly enough.

Ashley Holloman Avatar Ashley Holloman

When to Seek Professional Help

Indicators for Further Evaluation

If your child shows persistent symptoms of sleep difficulties, such as snoring, mouth breathing, daytime fatigue, or behavioural problems resembling ADHD, it is crucial to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and improve your child’s quality of life. Our team at Key Osteopaths can provide a thorough assessment to determine the most appropriate course of action for your child’s needs.

How Key Osteopaths Can Assist

At Key Osteopaths, we specialise in identifying and treating issues related to sleep-disordered breathing in children. Our experienced team provides a holistic approach to care, using therapies such as myofunctional therapy, breathing exercises, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to address the root causes of your child’s symptoms. We aim to improve sleep quality, alleviate ADHD-like symptoms, and support your child’s overall development and well-being.
Anna van Piggelen Osteopath Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey v2

Anna van Piggelen

Osteopath & Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey
With a deep commitment to patient care, Anna van Piggelen brings expertise in both osteopathy and myofunctional therapy, helping individuals improve their health and well-being.
Graduating in Osteopathy from the University College of Osteopathy in 2010, Anna later pursued specialised training in myofunctional therapy with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and advanced studies with the Airway Circle.
Anna’s approach is deeply personal—having undergone palate expansion and myofunctional therapy herself to address childhood thumb-sucking-related jaw and ENT issues, she understands the challenges firsthand. This fuels her dedication to supporting both children and adults facing airway concerns.
She collaborates closely with ENT consultants, dentists, and orthodontists, ensuring each patient receives the right care at the right time. Myofunctional therapy may not always be the immediate solution, but it can play a crucial role later in treatment.
Beyond myofunctional therapy, Anna integrates osteopathy to provide structural, hands-on support, assisting with posture correction and tightness. She uses cranial osteopath in coordination with other specialists to aid orthodontic care and frenulum releases, ensuring comprehensive and collaborative treatment tailored to individual needs.
“If your child shows signs of sleep-related issues, schedule a consultation with our specialists today.”
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