Breathing Issues Linked to Disrupted Sleep Among Older Adults

Managed Healthcare Executive reports that sleep disorders are often linked to breathing issues, like sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SDB can lead to cognitive impairment, mood shifts, compromised quality of life, and elevated risk of stroke and comorbidities. Untreated OSA can lead to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Health leaders and healthcare professionals should consider sleep when providing "whole patient" care and understand the effect of breathing problems that often lie at the core of disrupted sleep. Nonpharmacological treatment of sleep issues among older adults includes relaxation techniques, improving sleep hygiene, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is recommended to feature six to 10 sessions with a trained therapist that concentrate on cognitive beliefs and counterproductive behaviors that disrupt sleep. Relaxation methods include progressive muscle tensing and relaxing, guided imagery, paced diaphragmatic breathing, or meditation.