An Update on Sleep Apnea and Sleeping Pills in Older Adults: Navigating New Evidence and New Sleep Medicines

Moderator: Cathy A. Alessi, MD

This symposium will provide an evidence-based, clinically focused update on three common and important sleep management issues we face in helping our older patients -- the recognition and ongoing management of sleep apnea, effective methods for deprescribing potentially inappropriate sleep medications, and evidence on the use of newer classes of sleep medicines in older adults. Learning Objectives: (1) identify updates and latest evidence that can be applied in the recognition and management of sleep apnea in older patients; (2) recognize evidence-based, non-pharmacologic approaches to help patients discontinue potentially inappropriate sleep medications; and (3) describe the categories and mechanisms of action of newer classes of sleep medications and evidence regarding use of these agents in older adults.

Sleep Apnea in Older Adults – A Clinician’s Update for 2026
Sara N. Pasha, MD

Effective Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Deprescribing Sleep Medications in Older Adults
Constance Fung, MD, MSHS

What About the “Newer” Sleep Medications – Evidence in Older Adults
Brienne B. Miner, MD, MHS