The Takeaway
The major risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea are obesity, a family history of snoring or apnea, and being male.
Adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition. One frequently cited study suggests that 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women in the United States have OSA.1 However, this is a conservative estimate, and the number is likely much higher.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing OSA. Some are hereditary; others are the result of age and/or lifestyle. Do any of these risk factors apply to you?
- Obesity: approximately two-thirds of people with OSA are overweight or obese
- Family history of OSA or snoring
- Small lower jaw and certain other facial configurations
- Male gender
- Large neck circumference
- Large tonsils
- Alcohol consumption at bedtime
- Post-menopausal (for women)
- Hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone)
- Acromegaly (high levels of growth hormone)
Dr. Atul Malhotra discusses risk factors of apnea and how they vary with age.