Risk Factors and Identifiers

Sleep apnea can affect anyone of all ages and genders, but certain factors can increase ones risk of developing OSA. These include: 

Excess weight or obesity  Large neck circumference  Narrowed airway: inherited or blocked  Old age Being a male  Family history  Use of alcohol or tobacco  Other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and more

If you think you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, it's important to contact your doctor or sleep specialist for an appointment. Some of the identifiers or symptoms to look out for include: 

Excessive Snoring Episodes of stopped breathing when sleeping  Waking with a dry mouth  Morning headache  Daytime sleepiness or difficulty sleeping at night A BMI of 30+  Large neck size (17 inches for men, 16 inches for women) Postmenopausal women Crowding of the upper airway including large tonsils and adenoids