Snoring and insomnia can be more than a simple nuisance. Individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep. Their oxygen levels drop dangerously low. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. By managing the risk factors associated with sleep disorders, sleep apnea treatment gives people more quality sleep and fewer health problems from breathing issues.
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common type, occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep. Older adults can be more prone to these obstructions as the muscles in the tongue and the roof of the mouth weaken. Body type and family history play roles in the condition. So does excess body fat, which compresses the airways, making it more difficult for the airway to stay open while sleeping.
Blacks and Hispanics are more prone to this form of sleep apnea, though the reasons have not been thoroughly established. Other risk factors include being male, thyroid disorders, swelling of the face and neck due to kidney or heart failure, having large tonsils, smoking and alcohol consumption.
In central sleep apnea, the brain and the muscles that coordinate breathing do not communicate properly, and the body cannot regulate breathing during sleep. Certain drugs suppress the breathing centers of the brain and can cause central sleep apnea. These include opioid pain medications, drugs for anxiety and depression, seizure medications and muscle relaxants.
Because older adults often do not sleep soundly, they may assume their sleeplessness is normal. But uncontrolled sleep apnea affects more than their sleep quality:
The first step to preventing the widespread effects of any sleep disorder is to address the underlying causes. Some risk factors for sleep apnea, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled. However, making healthy lifestyle changes can lessen sleep apnea risk.
Losing weight, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol (especially before bedtime) will improve sleep and minimize sleep apnea disturbances. Treating underlying medical conditions that can worsen sleep apnea, such as heart failure, kidney disease and thyroid imbalances, can reduce swelling and pressure on the airways.
Individuals with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea may be able to use oral appliances that look like an athlete’s mouth guard, to help keep the airway open while they sleep. However, more severe cases require continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP therapy. CPAP machines deliver constant pressure to the airways via a face mask.
Many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable. If the discomfort is intolerable, the provider may suggest a different type of mask, add humidification to the machine or adjust the machine’s settings to alleviate the issue.
Anyone who suspects they may have sleep apnea should see their doctor and receive a proper diagnosis. Treatment gives people more restful nights and prevents many long-term consequences of uncontrolled sleep apnea.
Y0149_0003650