Sleep apnea after 60: signs, testing, and what helps
Topic: Sleep
Reading time: 3 min
If you snore, wake up tired, or feel sleepy during the day, sleep apnea is worth putting on the “things to check” list. It’s common, underdiagnosed, and treatable.
What sleep apnea actually is
Sleep apnea means your breathing partially or fully pauses during sleep, over and over. Those pauses can lower oxygen and fragment sleep—even if you don’t remember waking up.
Common signs (you don’t need all of them)
- Loud snoring (especially with pauses, gasping, or choking)
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime sleepiness (nodding off, needing long naps)
- Trouble with focus or memory
- High blood pressure that’s hard to control
- Waking often at night (sometimes to urinate)
Quiet clue: If a partner says you stop breathing, that’s a strong reason to ask about testing.
Why it matters
Untreated sleep apnea can affect mood, blood pressure, heart rhythm, energy, and safety (like drowsy driving). The good news: treatment can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
How testing works (in plain language)
- Home sleep test: you wear simple sensors overnight at home. Good for many people.
- Sleep lab study: more detailed monitoring, useful if the situation is complex or if a home test is unclear.
What “help” can look like
- CPAP (a mask + gentle air pressure) — very effective for many.
- Oral appliances (custom dental devices) — helpful for some cases.
- Positional strategies — if apnea is worse on your back.
- Weight and alcohol changes — sometimes reduces severity.
If CPAP feels intimidating: many people need a few mask trials and small adjustments. Comfort improves with the right fit and coaching.
What to ask your clinician
- “Based on my symptoms, should I be tested for sleep apnea?”
- “Would a home sleep test be appropriate for me?”
- “If I have apnea, what treatment options fit my situation?”
- “Could my medications or alcohol use be affecting my sleep?”
Related: Sleep after 60: why it changes and what helps and Blood pressure at home.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics or Common Issues.