Strategies to address common sleep disorders among middle-aged and older adults

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an underdiagnosed and prevalent condition in middle-aged and older adults, with a disproportionate burden of OSA in marginalized populations. Lack of appropriate and timely treatment puts many at risk of poor quality of life, comorbidity, motor vehicle crashes and increased health care utilization. Furthermore, social and environmental disparities were acknowledged as contributing to sleep health disparities, OSA health literacy and adherence to OSA treatment. This presentation will overview the social and environmental determinants of OSA prevalence and management. The presenter will also cover strategies to improve access and waiting time for OSA diagnosis and treatment in middle-aged and older adults, such as screening for OSA in general and marginalized populations, alternative at-home OSA detection solutions, involvement of alternative care providers in OSA care, alternative OSA targeted therapies, including accessible self-administered interventions, health equity interventions targeting OSA, and promotion of sleep-centered lifestyle approaches, including weight loss, diet and exercise.