Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders in the Elderly

Breathing-related sleep disorders (BRSD) include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and sleep-related hypoventilation. The prevalence of BRSD increases with age and contributes to morbidity in the elderly. OSA, the most common BRSD, is characterized by an intermittent decrease in or cessation of airflow during sleep due to a collapsed airway. Clinical features of OSA include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, choking spells, and documented episodes of hypopnea/apnea on polysomnography. OSA is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cognitive problems. This review provides an overview of OSA in the elderly and its relationship with other medical disorders. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2018;48(6):287–291.]