ZIONSVILLE, Ind. -- More sleep has done teenager Pat Heles some good.

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Experts: Sleep Deprivation, ADHD Could Be Linked

Heles, a junior at Zionsville High School, had sleep apnea -- a disorder in which breathing briefly stops during sleep. He would awake several times at night, and he'd rarely feel rested in the morning.

Heles also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- something that could be linked to sleep deprivation, according to experts at the Sleep Disorders Center at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

The teen's sleep apnea was treated through surgery in which his tonsils and adenoids were removed. He said more sleep has helped him in a way experts say it could help many people.

"I can pay attention, and it's easier for me to do my homework because I'm not so tired," Heles told RTV6's Kristi Tedesco.

Experts say sleep deprivation, whether caused by a medical condition or other circumstances, can lead to serious health consequences. ADHD could be one of them, according to the sleep disorder center's Dr. Deborah Givan.

"Many of the symptoms of ADHD are the same symptoms you see with sleep deprivation: inability to focus, inability to remember things," Givan said.

Studies are determining whether ADHD and sleep deprivation are linked. Experts believe 30 percent to 40 percent of ADHD cases have that connection.

Riley's Sleep Disorders Center says adults need eight hours of sleep per night, and teenagers need nine to 10 hours. Younger people need more, according to the center.

Givan said sleep deprivation can lead to depression, a lowered immune system, and falling asleep behind the wheel of a car.

Experts say certain items -- televisions, computers and cell phones -- shouldn't be in children's rooms because they contribute to a lack of sleep.

Parents should watch their children for signs of sleep disorders, Givan said. The signs include sleeping in, restlessness at night, snoring, and sweating during sleep.

Heles (pictured, right) said that when he had sleep troubles, he wasn't fun to be around.

His father, Pete Heles, said the teen has undergone "a phenomenal softening."

"The loving, caring, gregarious Pat is there," Pete Heles said. "There's no edge."