Sleep Apnea and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2018 Aug;51(4):827-833. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2018.03.009. Epub 2018 May 17.

Abstract

Older adults undergo gradual changes in their sleep patterns. It is important to differentiate normal age-related sleep changes from sleep disorders. Because sleep disorders can impact an older adult's day-to-day life and contribute to various comorbidities, these patients should be carefully screened by using a detailed medical history, combined with a detailed sleep history. There is a high prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea in the elderly. Early identification and appropriate management of this disorder may not only provide improvement in quality of life but also decrease disease-associated morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: CPAP; Elderly; Geriatric; Obstructive sleep apnea; Sleep-disordered breathing; Snoring.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Comorbidity
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / etiology*
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes / therapy*
  • Snoring / diagnosis