Who is a Risk of Sleep Apnea
 Anyone
can have obstructive sleep apnea.
It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have
obstructive sleep apnea. More than half the people who have
sleep apnea are overweight, and most snore heavily.
Sleep apnea is more common in men. One out of 25 middle-aged
men and 1 out of 50 middle-aged women have sleep apnea that
causes them to be very sleepy during the day. Sleep apnea is
more common in African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific
Islanders than in Caucasians. If someone in your family has
sleep apnea, you are more likely to develop it than someone
without a family history of the condition.
Adults who are most likely to have sleep apnea:
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Snore loudly.
-
Are overweight.
-
Have high blood pressure.
-
Have a decreased size of the airways in their nose,
throat, or mouth. This can be caused by the shape of
these structures or by medical conditions causing
congestion in these areas, such as hay fever or other
allergies.
-
Have a family history of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea can also occur in children who
snore. If your child snores, you should discuss it with your
child’s doctor or health care provider.
Source: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
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