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172: Is It ADHD or Sleep Apnea? with Kirk Huntsman

Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Release Date: 08/21/2025

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Could your child’s ADHD symptoms actually be caused by something else entirely—like undiagnosed pediatric sleep apnea? In this compelling episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay is joined by Kirk Huntsman, CEO and co-founder of Vivos Therapeutics. Together, they unpack the often-overlooked connection between sleep and behavior, revealing how disrupted sleep patterns—especially obstructive sleep apnea—can mimic or even contribute to ADHD symptoms in children.

Dana and Kirk explore the biological and developmental reasons behind sleep-related misdiagnoses, warning signs parents should look out for, and new, non-invasive treatment options that go far beyond medication or surgery. If your child still struggles with focus, energy, or meltdowns—this episode is essential listening. You’ll walk away with a new lens on your child’s behavior and practical tools to uncover and address hidden sleep issues that could be holding them back. 

Links Mentioned in the Show: 
Visit vivos.com to learn more about Vivos Therapeutics 

Key Takeaways:
[0:00] Introduction: When ADHD Isn’t ADHD
[2:06] Meet Kirk Huntsman of Vivos
[3:46] What Is Pediatric Sleep Apnea?
[4:37] Overlap Between ADHD and Sleep Symptoms
[7:20] Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
[16:55] Developmental Clues You Might Be Missing
[23:46] Long-Term Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
[31:31] Non-Invasive Treatment Options
[42:29] Final Advice for Parents


Memorable Moments:
"Your child wakes up tired, loses focus by mid-morning, spirals emotionally by lunch—and everyone's telling you it's ADHD."
"They've actually taken kids known to have ADHD and put them in a playground with kids who have sleep disorders—and the experts couldn’t tell them apart."
"ADHD is actually meant to be a diagnosis of exclusion."
"A child that becomes hyperactive shows up at school and becomes that kid that the teacher can't control."
"Mouth breathing is one of the early signals that there's a problem.”
"Breathing should be silent, consistent, and through the nose—not through the mouth."
"Putting a child in braces that already has compromised oral development can make the problem worse."
"We were designed to be obligate nasal breathers."
"Night terrors are not normal."
"The number one action? Get your child tested."

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