Does My Aging Parent Have Sleep Apnea?
It’s no secret that when people grow older, they often face new health challenges related to age. From arthritis and poor vision to diabetes and dementia, seniors are at a higher risk for developing illnesses that can lower their health and wellness. Sleep apnea is an often-overlooked condition that affects millions of elderly adults. Restful sleep is so important to a healthy body, so when elderly adults are deprived of it, their health suffers.
Elderly Care in Glenview IL: Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is named after a Greek word that means “no breath” and that’s exactly what happens. When the elderly person is asleep, their soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax. Sometimes they become too loose and close the airway. The body tries to keep breathing, but no air is coming in or out. Eventually, the sleeper startles and gasps for air. The medical experts define sleep apnea as having episodes that last for more than 10 seconds at least 5 times per hour.
So, what are the warning signs of sleep apnea in seniors? Often, the sleeper is not aware of any symptoms because they are asleep—even when they gasp for air, their consciousness doesn’t register the episodes. Usually, a bed partner, family caregiver, or elderly care provider is the one to notice symptoms, which include loud snoring, frequent night awakenings, dry mouth, and insomnia. In the day, family caregivers and elderly care providers may notice sleepiness, mood swings, headaches, poor focus, and sore throat.
If family caregivers and elderly care providers notice a pattern of sleep disorders and daytime behaviors, they should take the elderly adult to the doctor for an evaluation. The doctor will start with some sleep tests to see the level of apnea. They may also send the senior to a sleep center for a more detailed analysis. The elderly adult will need a lot of support from family caregivers and elderly care providers when it comes to transportation and staying with the senior as it can be stressful for people of any age.
Managing sleep apnea also requires plenty of involvement from family members, friends, and elderly care providers. In many cases, the doctor will ask the elderly adult to wear a sleep mask that sends air into the airways to keep them open during sleep. The result is constant, uninterrupted breathing and a better quality of sleep.
Elderly care providers can also help seniors make adjustments to their lifestyle in order to reduce sleep apnea. If an elderly person is obese or smokes, they are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Likewise, drinking alcohol before bed can increase the risk. The elderly care providers can ensure seniors adhere to a regular sleep schedule and can reposition them if they roll onto their backs while sleeping.
It takes some significant medical attention plus lifestyle management to overcome sleep apnea in elderly adults. With a good support team in place, seniors will be able to get restful sleep once more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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