Can I Develop Sleep Apnea Later in Life?

We’ve covered a lot of different aspects of sleep apnea in the past, but one of the most popular inquiries that we receive about the common sleep disorder is risk factors associated with its onset. While it’s true that things like weight, smoking, alcohol consumption and genetic factors can play a role in the development of sleep apnea, one risk factor that also shouldn’t be ignored is that of an individual’s age. For the record, sleep apnea can affect people of any age – from children to the elderly. However, the risk of developing sleep apnea actually increases with age.

The Link between Sleep Apnea and Age

According to research from the American Thoracic Society, or ATS, the risk of developing all sleep disorders increases with age. Specifically, the ATS states that about half of all of those who are 65 and older have some sort of sleep-related issue. The ATS has also released some data on the prevalence of sleep apnea, particular as it pertains to men, in the aging individual. Here’s a look at its findings:

  • Only about 3.2 percent of all men ages 20 to 44 develop sleep apnea.
  • Over 11 percent of men ages 45 to 64 develop the sleep apnea disorder.
  • Out of men ages 61 to 100, over 18 percent experience sleep apnea.

Why is sleep apnea more prevalent in an aging population? There are several factors that play into this, and most of them are related to aging. The ATS cited factors such as increased fat deposits in the throat and neck, and changes in one’s body structure, particularly around the pharynx. Sleep apnea is also common in post-menopausal women due to a greater likelihood of weight gain and other changes due to hormonal shifts.

Sleep Apnea and the Elderly: Diagnosis

If you’ve read our other pieces on sleep apnea on this site, you already know that the sleep disorder is easily treated via the CPAP, an oral splint or by making some lifestyle changes. However, you can’t treat what isn’t diagnosed – and unfortunately, sleep apnea is less commonly diagnosed among the elderly population compared to those younger in age. That’s largely because the senior population often doesn’t exhibit the telltale signs associated with sleep apnea.

Hence, it’s perhaps even more important for the elderly to keep a lookout for the signs and symptoms associated with sleep apnea. These include:

  • Morning headaches
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Issues with concentration
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth

Significant others can also play a role in helping detect potential sleep apnea issues by reporting whether or not they wake to their partner gasping for air during the night.

As we’ve noted, sleep apnea is easily treated – but it needs to be properly diagnosed first. For more information on the risk factors associated with sleep apnea, contact us today.