Resource: Scientists explore tonsil link: ADHD study; Sleep disorders tied to behavioural problems 

Interestingly, this newspaper article tries to establish a link between the tonsils and ADHD.  It also cites research that sleep apnea could be one of the leading causes of ADHD.  The researchers believe that one of the causes of this sleep apnea in children could be that the enlarged tonsils make it more difficult to breathe properly while sleeping.  The researchers estimate that as many as 1 in 4 children diagnosed with ADHD should also be diagnosed with a sleep disorder.  Despite these connections, there is no certain relationship of cause and effect between either of these conditions and ADHD.  According to Dr. Philippe Robaey, not sleeping is certainly a key factor in hyperactivity.  The article also notes that Ritalin and other psychostimulant treatments can worsen sleep problems.  The article does indeed make the same connection that Dr. King made when he presented to class – sleep deprivation causes hyperactivity, although it explains the problem a bit more precisely.  The importance of sleep cannot be stressed enough to high school students.  I will make a point in my classroom to promote a good night’s sleep to my students.

Work Cited:

Laucius, Joanne.  “Scientists explore tonsil link: ADHD study; Sleep disorders tied to

            behavioural problems.”  The Gazette (Montreal).  3 April 2006 – Final Edition: A1.