Key result
High-altitude pediatric OSA and ADHD linked to ~200% higher medication use and reduced REM sleep.
Why the study?
Few studies have explored the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and ADHD or performed polysomnographic studies in children living at high altitude (>2500 meters above sea level).
Population
187 children evaluated for OSA and ADHD at a high-altitude city
Comparison
OSA without ADHD vs OSA with ADHD vs ADHD without OSA vs controls
Design
Cohort study
Authors
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May warrant integrated OSA-ADHD evaluation at high altitude; leaves open causal links and generalizability.
Cohort (n=187)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 24% vs 8%
p-value: p=<0.05
Children with both OSA and ADHD living at high altitude exhibit distorted sleep architecture and higher medication use compared to those with either condition alone or controls.
Waich et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Obstructive Sleep Apnea and ADHD (n=187). OSA with ADHD vs. OSA without ADHD, ADHD without OSA, and controls was evaluated on Frequency of medication use (p=<0.05). Children with both OSA and ADHD living at high altitude had a higher frequency of medication use compared to controls (24% vs 8%, p<0.05) and exhibited lower REM sleep percentages.
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