Sleep apnea risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.

Overview

The most common risk factor for the development of sleep apnea is large neck circumference. Other risk factors of sleep apnea include smoking, alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, males, a positive family history, certain ethnic backgrounds such as African Americans, and individuals over 60-65 years. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a risk factor for complex sleep apnea (also known as mixed sleep apnea).

Risk Factors

The table below lists the risk factors for sleep apnea:

Risk Factor Description
Physical Characteristics Most common risk factor. Thick neck, obstructed nasal passages, large tongue, narrow airway, receding chin, overbite, certain shapes and increased rigidity of the palate and jaw
Smoking Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway
Alcohol This relaxes the muscles in the throat
Sedatives/tranquilizers This relaxes the muscles in the throat the throat
Male Gender Men are more likely to suffer sleep apnea than women and children are, though it is not uncommon in the last two population groups
Genetic Factors A positive family history may have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea
Ethnic Background African Americans, people of Mexican origin, and Pacific Islanders
Age Sleep apnea occurs significantly in adults over 60-65

Medical conditions that are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

  • Obesity is the most common risk factor for OSA
  • Facial deformities
  • Chronic respiratory tract conditions such as:

Medical conditions that are risk factors for central sleep apnea (CSA)

  • Problems after cervical spine surgery

Prolonged continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a risk factor for complex sleep apnea (also known as mixed sleep apnea) because patients with obstructive sleep apnea may develop central sleep apnea.

References

  1. Young, T.; Skatrud, J.; Peppard, PE. (2004). "Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in adults". JAMA. 291 (16): 2013–6. doi:10.1001/jama.291.16.2013. PMID 15113821. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. 2.0 2.1 Young, Terry (2004). "Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults". JAMA. 291 (16): 2013. doi:10.1001/jama.291.16.2013. ISSN 0098-7484.


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