Sleep,Tonsils and Learning - Misconception about ADD

For years, kids in school have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). We sometimes refer to younger kids as the "Ritalin" kids, because it seems so many are taking the medication anymore to help with symptoms of ADD that inhibit learning.

Many researchers and others in the psychiatric community have found a link between sleep apnea, chronic tonsil/sinus infections, and poor learning habits in school. In the 1980's and 1990's, it seemed there was a huge increase in the number of children with ADD, most of which were prescribed Ritalin. Researchers are now finding that the symptoms which mirror ADD may not be associated with ADD at all, but with sleep disorders and tonsil infections. Children become hyper when sleep deprived, just as an adult may become hyper when consuming caffeine. Such infections can often affect the sleeping patterns in children, but sleep apnea caused by the physical shape of the throat and nose could also affect sleeping patterns and ultimately learning abilities. As a result, children who are sleep deprived act similarly to hyperactive children with ADD or ADHD, and many physicians may misdiagnose those children and not find the real root of their learning disabilities.

During high school, I experienced significant attention issues and had chronic sinus colds. I was told at that time I had Attention Deficit Disorder and was prescribed medication. However, issues were still prevalent as I went to college, as learning and paying attention in class were still extremely difficult. I was always tired in the morning and afternoon, but was wired at night, just as the kids in school can be after being sleep deprived. A vicious cycle, I could never get enough restful sleep and I could not concentrate during the day, including during school. I felt like a newborn with my days and nights mixed up. Though ADD was thought to be my learning disability, my main problem was I was always tired - when I woke up, during the day, yet I had trouble getting to sleep.

A psychologist I've been working with told me of a link between sinus and tonsil problems to ADD and perhaps to sleep apnea. He ordered a sleep test for me, and found I never really get into a REM cycle (the good, restful sleep) and woke up over 144 times the night of my sleep test. I have trouble with the sleeping machine, so I don't use it. I am planning on having my tonsils removed later this year to reduce the sinus and tonsil infections I get, which should improve my sleep apnea issues, and thus, help me with my attention issues in school and enhance my learning environment.

Sleeping and learning are very much related - I can attest to that. The important thing is to ensure restful sleep is attained - quality versus quanity. I am looking very forward to my tonsil surgery, and believe the diagnosis of ADD will be a thing of the past and I will get a good night's sleep for a change. The main result I'm looking for though is improved quality of learning and the ability to pay attention during school.

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20060403/tonsil-surgery-helps-kids-adhd

Sleep and Learning

A study by Harvard researchers mentioned in this article is profound, because they may be on the right path to finding out what sleep really is or why we dream. The fact that it may be linked to learning is something I assumed but it’s not just learning they were speaking about. Memory organization while sleeping wasn’t something I figured the human mind would need. I guess I assumed that our brain was more like a mail sorting room rather than a computer hard drive. As information comes in I figured it was put in its proper place. The theory that the brain shuts down as to make room to move or rearrange information is interesting because it would explain a lot. Like why sleep is important or why we dream.

If this theory is true, I would assume that what we actively think of before we sleep will take priority in the reorganizing of memories. So could we control what we learn by thinking about specific things before we fall asleep? Would it be better to take a night class or start early in the morning to get the best out of your waking hours, as far as learning goes?

Source - Dream Your Way to the Dean's List: Sleep Promotes Learning