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Senior Resources » Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

married Boomer couple in bed, woman annoyed that her husband is snoring, probably from sleep apnea

The Baby Boomer generation is over 75 million strong. They are active, successful, and live life to the fullest. But, as they grow older, their medical needs increase. Let’s take a look at one common, though underdiagnosed condition affecting Boomers, sleep apnea.

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The Greek word, apnea, literally means “without breath,” and describes the loss of breath that someone who suffers from the disorder experiences. It is common for people to experience hundreds of apneas per night where the airways are blocked by the soft tissue in the throat collapsing or the brain failing to send the correct signals to the breathing muscles.

The most common form of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the throat relaxes and partially blocks the airway causing airway restriction and leading to waking up and being out of breath.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Excessive tiredness and sleepiness during the day
  • Snoring loudly
  • Waking with a dry mouth and/or sore throat
  • Morning headaches
  • Frequent waking accompanied by feelings of being out of breath
  • Irritability and erratic mood swings
  • Inability to focus
  • Loss of memory
  • Depression
sleep apnea infographic

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Family and Medical History

Healthcare providers will ask a series of questions concerning family and personal medical history. They will also want to find out about sleeping patterns and associated symptoms caused by sleep apnea.

Many times people have to acquire the assistance of a family member, spouse, or friend because they are not aware of their behaviors while asleep. Some people keep a sleep diary for 48 hours to gather data that will assist the doctor.

Physical Exam

The physician will typically examine the neck and throat for causes of blockages such as enlarged and swollen uvula. The uvula is located near the back of the throat and is a piece of soft tissue. Physicians also look at the soft palette which is located at the back of the throat on the roof of the mouth.

Sleep Study

If a physician needs more information for a proper diagnosis, they may refer the patient to a specialist for a sleep study. Sleep studies are typically performed at a sleep center, but may take place in the patient’s home. The most common test performed is the polysomnogram.

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CPAP sleep apnea treatment

CPAP Treatment

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure and it’s a treatment device that is used for patients who have moderate to severe sleep apnea.  CPAP is a mask-type machine that fills the air passages with a continuous air stream that works to keep air passages open and clear while sleeping. Many Baby Boomers who suffer from sleep apnea have found relief using such a machine.

Benefits of Using a CPAP

Users of CPAP machines have reported significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms.  Some of those improvements include:
·    Better quality of life
·    Improved sleeping at night
·    Increased mood and happiness
·    Better job performance
·    Enhanced sexual drive
·    Increased alertness when sitting or driving
·    Improved energy
·    More motivation
·    Elimination of snoring

CPAP Side Effects

As with most medical treatments, side effects may occur. Some of the most common that are experienced by CPAP users include:
·    Dry nasal passages
·    Red marks around the nose
·    Sinus congestion
·    Eye dryness
·    Mouth dryness

If you are a Baby Boomer and you suspect you or your partner may be suffering from sleep apnea see your healthcare provider immediately to learn more about treatment options.

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Originally published February 19, 2024

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