According to John Hopkins, a quarter to almost half of all adults snore at night. If you’ve ever slept next to a snorer, you know that it can be annoying, especially if they snore loudly. Snoring isn’t always just an annoyance to those around the sleeper, though. Snoring can affect sleep patterns and overall well-being. Snoring can also be an indicator of overall health. Here’s what snoring may mean for your senior.
Your Senior May Need to Make Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, snoring is related to our lifestyle or how we sleep in general. If you’re senior is snoring at night, but not having other symptoms that indicate a more serious problem, consider looking at,
- Allergens – if your senior has known allergies, make sure they’re sleeping in a room free of those allergens (such as pets) and consider if the room needs to be dusted or vacuumed more frequently. Additionally, an allergen mattress and pillow cover can help alleviate nighttime allergies.
- Alcohol consumption – if your senior drinks, make sure they’re not drinking too much at night, as this can cause frequent snoring (and isn’t good for their overall health)
- Sleeping position – how a person sleeps can affect whether they snore. Make sure they have a mattress and pillows that provide adequate support so that their airways remain open while sleeping.
Your Senior May Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes the throat muscles to relax during sleep, blocking the airways. OSA can cause breathing to start and stop during the night, causing sleep disruptions. Signs that your senior should be evaluated for OSA include,
- Loud snoring
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Noticeable pauses in breathing during sleep
- Dry mouth, sore throat, or headache when waking
- Irritability, depression, and mood swings
- Memory problems
Other forms of sleep apnea have similar symptoms but can be less severe than OSA. If your senior is showing any of the signs above, make an appointment with their doctor for a sleep evaluation.
Ways Your Senior Can Reduce Snoring
Snoring can be annoying for the sleeper and those around them. The good news is your senior doesn’t have to live with snoring. Whether as part of their sleep apnea treatment or as part of lifestyle changes, your senior loved one can take steps to reduce snoring and get a better night’s sleep. Some of these include,
- Losing weight – excessive weight is a common cause of snoring
- Getting regular exercise
- If they smoke, stop
- Avoid sleeping on their back
- Take medications to control allergies and/or reduce nasal congestion
Home Care in Philadelphia from an Angel
Do you or your loved one need home care services in Philadelphia or surrounding areas? We offer a wide range of services to help seniors and those with special needs live their best lives. Contact us to set up an appointment and we will match you with one of our Angels or help you choose your Angel as part of the PAS program.
