Recognizing and Treating Sleep Apnea in Older Adults

By Julie HayesJuly 15, 2025

Does your loved one snore at night? Are they often drowsy during the day? Have they developed balance issues, slower thinking, or experienced anxiety or depression? These symptoms may point to more than just aging—they could be signs of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), most commonly known as obstructive sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious but treatable sleep disorder in which a person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night. These interruptions can last for 10 seconds or more and may not fully wake the sleeper, making the condition easy to miss without a medical evaluation.

Sleep issues are widespread among older adults, but many don’t realize that their symptoms may be due to sleep apnea rather than aging itself. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an estimated 26 percent of adults aged 30 to 70 have obstructive sleep apnea. Prevalence increases significantly with age, with as many as 60 percent of older adults experiencing some form of sleep-disordered breathing.

Despite this, many cases remain undiagnosed. The condition is more common in men but affects women as well, particularly after menopause.

Symptoms Caregivers Should Watch For

Key signs of sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing include:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety or depression
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Frequent nighttime awakenings or restlessness

In older adults, sleep apnea may also contribute to:

  • Increased risk of falls
  • Balance and mobility difficulties
  • Poor vision
  • Cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
  • Reduced overall quality of life

Diagnosis and the Role of Sleep Studies

If you suspect your loved one may have sleep apnea, talk to their healthcare provider. A diagnosis is typically made through a sleep study, which can be conducted overnight in a sleep center or through an at-home testing device.

These studies monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels and other sleep-related functions to determine whether sleep apnea is present and how severe it may be.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Treatment for sleep apnea is highly effective and may vary based on the severity of the condition.

1. CPAP Therapy
The most common and effective treatment is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device. This machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep, preventing apneas and improving sleep quality.

2. Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases, lifestyle changes may significantly improve symptoms:

  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed.
  • Lose weight if overweight or obese.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Sleep on one’s side instead of the back.
  • Use allergy medications or nasal sprays to ease breathing.

3. Oral Appliances
Custom-fit dental devices can help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. These are generally more appropriate for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea and are fitted by a dental professional.

4. Surgical Options
In certain cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgery to remove airway blockages or reposition anatomical structures may be considered.