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Who is at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Anyone can have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Men are twice as likely to have OSA; however, it may be underdiagnosed in women for a number of reasons. Women are less likely than men to report symptoms. Instead, they tend to dismiss their sleepiness or fatigue as a result of their lifestyles, but sleepiness and fatigue can affect quality of life, safety and productivity. Women who do report some symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea to a doctor are actually more likely to be misdiagnosed with other conditions like depression or insomnia. Women who are obese or who have been through menopause may be at a higher risk of developing OSA.

Other risk factors include:

• Older age: People over 40 years of age are more likely to have sleep apnea, but it can affect anyone at any age.

• Excess weight: Two out of three people with sleep apnea are overweight or obese, but even thin people can have it; extra fat deposits in the upper airway are thought to predispose to airway obstruction during sleep.

• Neck circumference: A thick neck is associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea.

• Narrowed airway: The size of the airways in the nose, throat or mouth may be decreased; for example, there may be physical abnormalities in the nose or upper airway or enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

• Nighttime nasal congestion: Allergic rhinitis, acute upper respiratory tract infection and anatomy have been linked to snoring and OSA.

• Use of alcohol or sedatives: These relax the muscles in the throat and may promote apneic episodes.

• Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, making apnea worse.

• Family history: OSA seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition.