Sleep Apnea in Older Adults: Signs and Next Steps

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, interrupting breathing. [1]

Tell the healthcare provider about loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, or waking with gasping or choking. [1]

Mention daytime sleepiness, especially when it interferes with activities your parent wants or needs to do. [1]

These signs help guide an assessment; they cannot confirm the diagnosis by themselves, even when several happen together. [1]

Ask your parent which changes they have noticed, and offer to write down examples before their appointment.

If your parent already wears an Apple Watch at night, ask whether they want to bring their sleep information to the visit.

Write down what you noticed directly, such as breathing pauses, alongside anything your parent wants to share from the watch.

Wellness sleep information does not replace a clinician-arranged sleep test; diagnosis relies on appropriate testing and a full assessment. [1]

For context about readings, see our guide to Apple Watch accuracy before interpreting a change in isolation.

Harmoni notices patterns in sleep and offers a gentle nudge for a check-in; it does not diagnose sleep apnea.

A healthcare provider reviews the sleep history and decides whether a home sleep test or sleep-lab study is appropriate. [1]

A prescribed home sleep test uses equipment chosen for diagnosis; it is a different tool from everyday wellness information. [1]

Some health conditions make a sleep-lab study the better choice, so ask why a particular test is recommended. [1]

If a home test is negative or unclear but concerns remain, guidelines recommend a sleep-lab study. [1]

Bring a medicine list and any questions about evening habits so your parent can discuss the whole picture with their provider.

If drinking is part of that discussion, our article on alcohol and memory covers another reason families may review their routines.

For diagnosed sleep apnea with excessive sleepiness, guidelines recommend positive airway pressure treatment, often called PAP. [2]

PAP uses a mask and airflow to help keep the airway open while the person sleeps. [2]

Education and early help with treatment problems are part of recommended care; ask whom your parent can contact for support. [2]

A prescribed oral appliance may suit some people who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer an alternative, after discussion with their clinician. [3]

These appliances should be custom fitted and adjusted by a qualified dentist, with follow-up to check how well treatment works. [3]

Ask your parent what feels manageable, then help bring any concerns back to the care team rather than guessing at solutions.

Bring specific sleep concerns to a healthcare provider; you do not need to wait for a change in watch readings.

Offer practical help with appointments and treatment questions, while keeping your parent involved in each decision about their care.

Use wellness information to support a kind conversation at home: Join the Alberta pilot.