While you may think that older adults are good sleepers who rarely make a peep, in fact, snoring increases with age. It's caused by the partial obstruction of the airway during sleep. About 40 percent of the adult population snores. Snoring is more common among those who are middle-aged or older and overweight.

The Sleep Apnea Cycle

During the night...

• Breathing stops.
• Blood oxygen levels drop.
• Individual wakes briefly, gasps for breath.
• Repeat.

Next day...

Sleeplessness is excessive

Snoring May Be Associated with Daytime Sleepiness

Loud snoring punctuated by multiple, nightly brief episodes of breathing cessation suggest the presence of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, like snoring, is more common among the obese. However, in elderly people, the obesity-sleep apnea connection is far less pronounced. Sleep apnea occurs in four percent of middle-aged men and two percent of middle-aged women. In males over 65, the figure rises to 28 percent; for women, the number climbs to 24 percent.

Sleep apnea is treatable. Unfortunately, the vast majority of sufferers don't know they have the disorder. It is often a bed partner's concern that triggers diagnosis and treatment. Sadly, sleep apnea is linked to a three to seven time increase in risk for falling asleep at the wheel. Diagnosis and treatment are important.

What does diagnosis entail? For an objective evaluation, individuals should seek referral to a sleep disorders clinic. In an overnight sleep study at a sleep disorders clinic, individuals are monitored by noninvasive polysomnographic equipment that measures respiration (breathing) and arousal through EEG (brain wave) readings. If the disorder is mild, a sleep specialist may recommend weight loss, use of pillows and/or change in sleep position (avoiding lying on one's back), and abstinence regarding alcohol and sedatives which worsen apnea. However, if the disordered breathing is moderate to severe, a device known as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is in order. This device gently propels air into the airway, keeping it open. Treatment with dental devices is an alternative to be considered. Surgery is rarely an effective option.

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