Who gets sleep apnea and what are the demographics?

WHO GETS SLEEP APNEA? WHAT ARE THE DEMOGRAPHICS?

MEN
OVER 40
OVERWEIGHT
FAMILY HISTORY
WOMEN – MORE COMMON AS THEY GET OLDER – PAST MENOPAUSE
CHILDREN (NOT AS COMMON, HOWEVER, VERY SERIOUS)
DIABETICS
CORONARY DISORDER PATIENTS

Sleep apnea can affect individuals of any age or gender, although certain factors can increase the risk. It is more common in men than women, but women can also develop sleep apnea, especially after menopause.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAWS, WHICH MAY BE EXACERBATED BY HEREDITY, CHILDHOOD NASAL ALLERGIES, BABIES WITH HIGH FRENA (TONGUE TIED AT BIRTH).

The risk of sleep apnea increases with age, as the muscles in the throat and airway may lose their tone over time. Obesity is a significant risk factor, as excess weight can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. Other risk factors include having a family history of sleep apnea, having a narrow airway, and other anatomical factors. While sleep apnea can occur in individuals from any demographic background, understanding these risk factors can help identify those who may be at a higher risk and encourage them to seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

About the author

Howard Hoffman

Hi! I'm Howard J. Hoffman, D.D.S. Actually, my patients and even friends call me Doc H. You may remember hearing me talking about conscious sedation on the radio, which earned me another nickname, "Miami's original sedation dentist." I am a member of the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD).

Having practiced dentistry for over 45 years and working in Sleep Apnea since 1997.