Sleep Apnea In The Elderly And Obese
Sleep apnea in the elderly is a common problem. Elderly people suffering from sleep apnea can have their breathing stop for up to two minutes, several times a night. During these periods, the body does not get its required amount of oxygen. Feeling drowsy in the middle of the day and wanting to take a nap are natural side effects of having your sleep cycles interrupted throughout the night.
Health Dangers
Elderly individuals suffering from sleep apnea are at risk for several health risks, including stroke, heart attack, irregular heart beat, and high blood pressure. Several studies about sleep apnea in the elderly link being overweight and loud snoring with sleep apnea and physical irregularities in the nasal passages.
Treatment
If you are suffering from sleep apnea in the elderly because of physical blockage in the nasal passages, having simple surgery might provide an immediate cure.
Many patients suffering from sleep apnea in the elderly find relief by wearing a mask at night that forces air down through the nasal passages. This devise is called a CPAP. Its function is to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen to the body. The negative effect of having to wear a mask to bed every night is quickly offset by the sudden boost of energy experienced every afternoon.
The final treatment for the sleep apnea in the elderly patient who is grossly overweight will include diet and exercise. This may well be the least expensive treatment, but also the most difficult.
Effect On Your Partner
The ironic thing about sleep apnea in the elderly is its effect on their partners. Because the partner is not getting enough sleep at night, just like the victim, they both tend to be cranky and irritable in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. People often try sleeping in twin beds or in separate rooms. Many times this does not work because people get lonely for each other. Some partners have gone to bed wearing ear plugs at night but then who can hear when the dog wants out?
Summary
If you are unable to convince your elderly, sleep apnea suffering partner, that they snore loudly and often, don’t be surprised. They can’t hear themselves snoring or feel their partner pushing and punching them to try and wake them. Oftentimes this leads to immense frustration on the part of the innocent partner.
If you love them and want to convince them they need treatment, because their life may depend on it, secretly tape record them snoring. This usually does the trick.
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