Who can get Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs in all age groups and in both sexes, but is more common among middle-aged men. It is difficult to know for certain how many people have OSA since awareness of the condition is increasing, as is the number of overweight people in the United States. However, some estimate that more than 20 percent of middle-aged men and about 9 percent of middle-aged women have the condition.

People most likely to have or develop OSA include those who snore loudly, have daytime sleepiness, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat or other parts of the upper airway.

Other risk factors for OSA include:

• Hypertension
• Body Mass Index over 30
• Diabetes 
• Age
• Neck size (17 inches or larger)
• Family history
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use

It has been estimated that 18 to 20 million Americans have OSA, but only 5 percent to 10 percent of sufferers have been diagnosed and treated.