Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when a broken or narrow air passageway creates a blockage and cuts off 90% or more of a person’s airflow. This breathing disorder affects 10 to 30 percent of the adult population in the United States and has been linked to an increased risk of multiple health issues.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Anyone can develop sleep apnea at any point in their life, so your elderly loved one may not have needed to be concerned about it in the past, but may now be dealing with it. Some physical changes that often occur with older age increase the risk of an older person developing the disorder. Physical changes such as an increase in weight, more fatty tissue built up in the neck and tongue, and heart disease can also increase the risk.
The most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is waking up multiple times during the night, trying to catch your breath. It can range from mild (five or fewer times an hour) to severe (15 or more times per hour). For many individuals, they don’t remember the constant waking, but if they sleep with someone, that person may be more likely to notice them waking, catching their breath, and returning to sleep.
Because of the repeated awakenings (even if not remembered) and the consistently interrupted flow of air to the brain, sometimes, daytime symptoms will be more of an indicator that your loved one is struggling with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Memory and Cognitive Issues. Your loved one may struggle to remember simple things like people’s names or scheduled appointments. They might also have a hard time following instructions or staying focused on a task.
- Consistent Daytime Sleepiness. Your loved one may never feel fully rested and find themselves extremely sleepy each day. They might be falling asleep more often when watching TV or driving.
- Dry mouth. Obstructive Sleep Apnea can lead to more mouth breathing, making your loved one feel like their mouth is dry all of the time, and be more thirsty than normal.
- Mental Health Concerns. Not getting restful sleep can increase anxiety levels or lead to depression.
Tips for Preventing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you think your loved one may have obstructive sleep apnea, you should talk to his doctor about confirming it with a sleep study or another form of diagnosis, so you’ll know if that has been the cause of some of his health issues. If it is, there are lifestyle changes your loved one can take to reduce the amount of sleep disruptions he has and the impact they have on his daily life.
Recommended changes may include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Stopping smoking or drinking alcohol
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Performing exercises to strengthen the facial and mouth muscles
These changes might be difficult, so having a professional who helps with personal care at home for your loved one can be a great resource for support and encouragement. A personal care at home provider can help with any dietary changes that are recommended, as well as encourage your loved one to take prescribed medications or participate in recommended daily activities. Success is often more likely with support from someone like a personal care at home provider.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Wilton, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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