May 02, 2023

Say goodnight to sleep apnea

sleep apnea q and a

Today is Sleep Apnea Awareness Day and to draw attention to the impacts of sleep apnea on older people, HelloCare sat down with Australian Facial Reconstruction Surgeon, Doctor Paul Coceancig, who is a leader in offering prevention and cure for sleep apnea. 

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is more prevalent in older adults, especially those over 60. It occurs when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts while they sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns. Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

See how you can help curb the symptoms of sleep apnea and get a better night’s sleep.

 

How does sleep apnea affect older people?

Dr Coceancig: For older people, sleep apnea can result in cardiovascular problems, increased risk of some chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, poor quality of life and increased risk of falls due to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. 

All of this can be particularly concerning for older adults who are already at a higher risk for these conditions due to age-related changes.  

 

What should this demographic know about sleep apnea?

Dr Coceancig: A common primary cause of sleep apnea is a small jaw. 

Older adults are also more likely to develop sleep apnea due to factors such as increased weight, decreased muscle tone, and changes in the structure of the airway. 

It can also affect a person’s quality of life by causing daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

 

How can older people identify and manage sleep apnea?

Dr Coceancig: I recommend that you seek the advice of a healthcare professional as a sleep study can be conducted to determine and diagnose sleep apnea. 

For older people, it’s important to note that surgery is not an option for treatment.  

Treatment options for sleep apnea may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, sleeping on your side, or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airway open during sleep. 

 

How can older people get a better night’s sleep?

Dr Coceancig: Older people especially can be prone to sleep disturbances. I would recommend creating a bedtime routine, sticking to a sleep schedule, limiting caffeine, light daily exercise, managing stress, avoiding daytime naps and most importantly consulting with a healthcare professional. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Films show how to embed spiritual care in aged care

A series of Department of Health funded short films unpacking spiritual care in the new Aged Care Quality Standards have been launched today from Meaningful Ageing Australia. The films give tools and direction to aged care providers, carers and executives. New Aged Care Quality Standards from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission came into... Read More

Do we ‘move on’ from grief, or does it stay with us?

Grieving for a loved one can be almost unbearably painful. At times, it may even feel as though we will never recover. And yet, death and loss are a part of life, and so the profound feelings that accompany them are, in many ways, inevitable. But just as loss is an inevitability, so too it our ability... Read More

How do you know if it’s elder abuse?

Calls to the National Elder Abuse phone line have increased by almost 90% in recent months. With elderly people currently more isolated than ever before, recognising the tell-tale signs of elder abuse has become increasingly important. Read More
Advertisement