The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Senior Health

Sleep apnea can disrupt more than just a good night’s sleep—it can significantly impact overall health, especially for seniors. Understanding this common condition is essential for those in assisted living for better sleep and long-term wellness.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring

• Gasping for air during sleep

• Morning headaches

• Daytime fatigue

How Sleep Apnea Affects Seniors

Increased Risk of Heart Problems

Sleep apnea can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Cognitive Decline

Interrupted sleep reduces oxygen levels in the brain, affecting memory, focus, and overall cognitive health.

Reduced Energy Levels

Daytime sleepiness caused by poor sleep can limit physical activity and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Worsened Chronic Conditions

Sleep apnea can exacerbate conditions like diabetes, as disrupted sleep impacts blood sugar regulation.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A CPAP machine keeps your airway open by delivering a constant flow of air through a mask. It’s the gold standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side can help reduce symptoms.

Oral Appliances

Custom-made devices that reposition the jaw or tongue can help keep the airway open during sleep.

Surgical Options

In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw.

Supporting Sleep Health in Communities

In senior living communities in Centennial, staff members work with residents to ensure their sleep apnea is managed effectively. Many communities also provide access to sleep specialists and CPAP support to improve residents’ quality of life.

Simple Steps to Improve Sleep

Even without a formal diagnosis, these tips can promote better sleep quality:

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine.

• Avoid heavy meals or caffeine in the evening.

• Create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleeping environment.

Better Sleep, Better Health

Sleep apnea is more than a nighttime nuisance—it’s a condition that affects your entire well-being. If you suspect you or a loved one might have sleep apnea, speak with a healthcare provider in senior living communities. A few small changes and proper treatment can make all the difference.

Good Sleep is Important for Good Health

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. 

In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. 

One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night’s sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” 

Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is like being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. 

Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. 

At MorningStar at Jordan, our vibrant home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Our community offers stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, Colorado.

Senior Living Communities Offer Many Benefits

As it turns out, many older adults are quite happy with their decision to move into an independent or assisted living community.  In part, that may be since many of today’s senior communities are loaded with numerous amenities and activities.   As a resident, you are provided with a lifestyle of comfort and community as well as a sense of safety and security.  Here are some of the many benefits: 

• When older adults move out of their family home into a senior community, they find themselves freed from lots of responsibilities.  Owning a home requires routine care and maintenance such as yard work and other housekeeping chores.  

• Seniors often live alone and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Also, as people age, many are reluctant to drive, which means they end up spending a lot of time at home by themselves.  This is something that is not a problem in senior communities.  While activities are optional, there is generally something of interest for everyone.    

• For those who do not drive anymore, senior living communities usually offer some form of transportation.  In addition, many routinely schedule day trips to activities such as plays, museums, shopping or other events.  

• We also know that many older adults who live alone do not eat well.  In some cases, grocery shopping and preparing food has become difficult.  Many communities make healthy, nutritious food a priority and offer choices such as low sodium, no sugar added etc.  

• As an assisted living resident, you will receive help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services provided to ensure your safety and to meet your needs.

• Finally, we cannot forget the importance of socializing and making new friends at any age.  Even for individuals who value their privacy, there is still the comfort of having other people around.  If the event of a fall or medical emergency, help is always close at hand.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we provide all this and more. Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day dining, salon, theater, fitness center, bistro, fireside patio, wellness programs and activities to help residents live life to the fullest. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional assisted living in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, CO.

Celebrating Grandparents on Their Special Day

To recognize the value of the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, “Grandparents Day” is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. In 2025 it will occur on Sunday, September 7th. While not a public holiday, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation in 1978 stating it should be observed each year. 

For kids, having more people involved in their lives other than their parents is a good thing. Many grandparents’ unconditional love brings with it acceptance, patience and unwavering support as they readily recognize the child’s accomplishments and provide a safe, trusted harbor. Several studies validate the love and emotional closeness grandparents provide can make a positive impact on a child’s healthy development. Moreover, as grandparents may be retired, they have more leisure time to spend with the grandkids.  

Research also shows that a close, involved relationship is good for grandparents too, and contributes to a healthier, happier and possibly even longer life. Grandparents’ relationship with grandkids can include the role of caregiver, teacher, playmate and cheering squad depending on where they live; and does not come with the responsibilities of being the parent. Grandparents can uniquely provide the child with a sense of their family history, heritage, and identity. They know great stories about the child’s parents and can help pass on family traditions and life stories. 

If your child does not have any grandparents, consider adopting an elderly person who does not have grandchildren.  If you don’t know any senior citizens personally, call a senior community in your area and ask if they have activities where your child would be welcome. If you missed last year’s Grandparents Day, put it on the calendar and celebrate it with some of your favorite seniors this year. 

MorningStar at Jordan is one of the top senior living communities in Centennial, Colorado with a mission statement to: 

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships 

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals 

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well

Our beautifully designed 3-story building offers 55 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, the Reflections Neighborhood provides the people, programs and security to enhance quality of life. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour. 

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in assisted living and memory care.Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about one of the finest senior living communities in Centennial, Colorado.

The Benefits of Earlier Palliative Care

An article from Scientific American cites findings from several studies showing how palliative services started earlier in patient care, rather than the current practice of late in the course of the disease, may offer important benefits. However, before this care option can be more widely implemented, there needs to be an increase in patients’ access to outpatient palliative services. Experts also say work needs to be done with correcting the misconception that palliative care is only for end-of-life situations.  

Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. It has expanded to include multidisciplinary services such as the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This differs from hospice care which specifically focuses on the period closest to death. Hospice care is limited to comfort care without curative intent as the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. 

The National Institute of Health explains palliative care is currently most often started late in patients with life-threatening conditions, particularly in patients with advanced cancer. However, they too cite real life studies indicating an early palliative care (EPC) paradigm can give patients a better quality of life. 

The benefits of the supportive services provided with earlier palliative care have been shown to not only help control patients’ symptoms and provide pain care but address other problems. These include depression and anxiety as well as a reduction in the number of trips to the hospital. One study found patients suffering from COPD, heart failure or lung disease that received telehealth visits showed an improved quality of life that continued for months after the calls concluded. Medical professionals say since there is a limited amount of outpatient palliative services currently available; they recommend patients with the most severe symptoms should receive the care. 

MorningStar at Jordan is a graciously appointed senior living community located in historic Centennial in the south-central area of Metro Denver.  We proudly offer private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans.  In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate memory care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.   

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.